Hyphenation ofsweet-temperedness

Linguistic Analysis of "sweet-temperedness" (English (GB))

1. Pronunciation Considerations:

The word "sweet-temperedness" is pronounced with a relatively consistent articulation across most GB English dialects. However, variations in vowel quality (particularly in the 'ee' sounds) and 'r' pronunciation (rhotic vs. non-rhotic) can occur. For this analysis, we will assume a Received Pronunciation (RP) influenced accent, which is generally considered a standard.

2. Syllable Division:

Following English syllable division rules, the word breaks down as follows (using only original letters):

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• Prefix: None
• Root: sweet (Old English swēte, Germanic origin) - Adjective, denoting pleasantness.
• Root: temper (Old French temperer, Latin temperare) - Verb, meaning to moderate or control.
• Suffix: -ed (Old English -ed) - Past tense/past participle marker.
• Suffix: -ness (Old English -nes) - Noun-forming suffix, denoting a state or quality.

4. Stress Identification:

The primary stress falls on the third syllable: tem-

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/ˌswiːtˈtempədəndəs/

6. Syllable Breakdown & Rule Application:

Here's a detailed breakdown of each syllable, including IPA transcription, rule application, and potential exceptions:

• Syllable 1: sweet
  • IPA: /swiːt/
  • Description: Open syllable, containing a diphthong.
  • Rule Applied: Onset-Rime division. 'sw' forms the onset, 'ee' the nucleus, and 't' the coda.
  • Exceptions/Special Cases: None.
• Syllable 2: -tem-
  • IPA: /ˈtemp/
  • Description: Closed syllable, stressed.
  • Rule Applied: Onset-Rime division. 't' forms the onset, 'e' the nucleus, and 'mp' the coda.
  • Exceptions/Special Cases: None.
• Syllable 3: -pered-
  • IPA: /pəd/
  • Description: Closed syllable, unstressed.
  • Rule Applied: Onset-Rime division. 'p' forms the onset, 'e' the nucleus, and 'r' the coda.
  • Exceptions/Special Cases: The 'er' sound can be reduced to /ə/ in some dialects.
• Syllable 4: -ness
  • IPA: /nəs/
  • Description: Closed syllable, unstressed.
  • Rule Applied: Onset-Rime division. 'n' forms the onset, 'e' the nucleus, and 'ss' the coda.
  • Exceptions/Special Cases: The 'ness' suffix often forms a weak syllable.

7. Edge Case Review:

The compound nature of the word (adjective + past participle + noun suffix) doesn't introduce any unusual syllabification challenges. The rules apply consistently.

8. Grammatical Role:

"Sweet-temperedness" functions solely as a noun. There are no shifts in syllabification or stress if the word were to take on a different grammatical role, as it is not adaptable to other parts of speech.

9. Definition & Semantics:

• Definition: The quality of being habitually good-natured, patient, and even-tempered.
• Part of Speech: Noun
• Synonyms: amiability, good nature, placidity, gentleness
• Antonyms: irritability, bad temper, volatility, aggression
• Examples: "Her sweet-temperedness was a comfort to everyone around her." "He was known for his sweet-temperedness even in the face of adversity."

10. Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations:

• Rhotic vs. Non-Rhotic: In rhotic accents (e.g., American English), the 'r' in "tempered" would be pronounced, affecting the syllable structure slightly.
• Vowel Quality: The 'ee' sound in "sweet" and "tempered" can vary in quality depending on the dialect.

11. Phonological Comparison:

• Happiness: hap-pi-ness. Similar structure (adjective + noun suffix). Stress pattern is also similar (second syllable stress).
• Kindness: kind-ness. Simpler structure, but shares the '-ness' suffix and similar syllabification rules.
• Bitterness: bit-ter-ness. Similar structure, with a compound adjective and the '-ness' suffix. Stress pattern differs (first syllable stress).