selfsufficiency
Syllables
self-suf-fi-cien-cy
Pronunciation
/ˌself.səˈfɪʃ.i.ən.si/
Stress
0 1 0 1 0
Morphemes
self + suf + ficiency
Self-sufficiency is a five-syllable noun with primary stress on 'cien' and secondary stress on 'self'. It's formed from the prefix 'self-', root 'suf-', and suffix '-ficiency'. Syllabification follows standard English rules, with the 'ci' digraph being a phonetic exception.
Definitions
- 1
The ability to supply one's own needs without help from others.
“Her self-sufficiency allowed her to live comfortably alone.”
“The farm aimed for self-sufficiency in food production.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the third syllable ('cien'). Secondary stress on the first syllable ('self').
Syllables
self — Open syllable, initial syllable.. suf — Closed syllable.. fi — Open syllable.. cien — Closed syllable, 'ci' digraph.. cy — Open syllable.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Onset-Rime
Syllables are divided based on the onset (initial consonant sound(s)) and rime (vowel and any following consonants).
Vowel Division
Each vowel sound generally forms a syllable.
Consonant Clusters
Consonant clusters are often split to create syllables, but digraphs are treated as a single sound.
- The 'ci' digraph is pronounced as /ʃi/.
- The secondary stress on 'self' is a result of its prefixal status.
- Potential for reduced vowels in unstressed syllables during rapid speech.
Nearby Words
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