affirmative action
Syllables
af-fir-ma-tive ac-tion
Pronunciation
/əˈfɜːrmətɪv ˈækʃən/
Stress
1001 10
Morphemes
ad- + firm- + -ative
The phrase 'affirmative action' is divided into six syllables: af-fir-ma-tive ac-tion. It follows CV and CVC syllable structures, maximizing onsets. The primary stress falls on the first syllable of each word. It's a noun phrase relating to policies addressing discrimination.
Definitions
- 1
A set of policies and practices within a system of education and employment designed to counter act past and present discrimination against certain groups (e.g., racial minorities, women) in order to achieve more equitable representation.
“The university implemented an affirmative action program to increase the enrollment of underrepresented students.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress on the first syllable of "affirmative" and the first syllable of "action".
Syllables
af — Open syllable, legal onset.. fir — Closed syllable, CVC structure.. ma — Open syllable, CV structure.. tive — Closed syllable, CVC structure.. ac — Open syllable, CV structure.. tion — Closed syllable, CVC structure.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Maximize Onset Principle
Consonants are assigned to the following syllable to create legal onsets.
Consonant-Vowel (CV) Structure
Syllables generally follow a CV pattern.
Consonant-Vowel-Consonant (CVC) Structure
Closed syllables are formed when a consonant follows the vowel.
- Vowel reduction in unstressed syllables.
- Potential /ʃt/ cluster in "action", but commonly separated as /ʃ/ + /ən/.
- Compound nature of the phrase requires consideration at the juncture between "affirmative" and "action".
Nearby Words
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