Hyphenation ofcounter-clockwise
Syllable Division:
coun-ter-clock-wise
Phonetic Transcription:(how the word sounds using IPA symbols)
/ˌkaʊntərˈklɒkwaɪz/
Stress Pattern:(which syllables are emphasized when speaking)
0101
Primary stress falls on the third syllable ('clock'). Secondary stress falls on the first syllable ('coun').
Syllables are the building blocks of words - each one typically contains a vowel sound
Open syllable, initial syllable, contains a diphthong.
Closed syllable, contains a schwa-like vowel.
Closed syllable, primary stress.
Closed syllable, final syllable.
Morphemes are the smallest meaningful parts of words: prefixes (beginning), roots (core meaning), and suffixes (ending)
Prefix: counter-
French origin, meaning 'against' or 'opposite', creates antonyms.
Root: clock
Old English/Latin origin, denotes a timekeeping device.
Suffix: -wise
Old English origin, adverbial suffix indicating manner or direction.
Moving or turning in the opposite direction to that in which the hands of a clock move.
Examples:
"Drive counter-clockwise around the roundabout."
"The screw turns counter-clockwise to loosen."
Moving in the opposite direction to that of the hands of a clock.
Examples:
"a counter-clockwise direction"
Words with similar syllable patterns or pronunciation features
Shares the 'clock' root and '-wise' suffix, similar stress pattern.
Shares the 'counter-' prefix, similar syllabification of the prefix.
Shares the '-wise' suffix, similar structure.
The linguistic principles used to determine where syllables begin and end
Vowel-Consonant (VC)
Syllables typically end in a vowel sound.
Consonant-Vowel (CV)
Syllables typically begin with a consonant sound.
Consonant Cluster
Syllables are divided before or after consonant clusters.
Important exceptions or unusual features in this word's pronunciation or structure
The prefix 'counter-' can be challenging to syllabify due to its compound nature.
Regional variations in pronunciation of 'er' can affect syllable interpretation.
Summary:
The word 'counter-clockwise' is divided into four syllables: coun-ter-clock-wise. It consists of the prefix 'counter-', the root 'clock', and the suffix '-wise'. Primary stress falls on 'clock'. Syllabification follows standard vowel-consonant and consonant cluster rules, with some considerations for the complex prefix.
Detailed Analysis:
Analysis of "counter-clockwise"
1. Pronunciation: The word is pronounced /ˌkaʊntərˈklɒkwaɪz/ (General American English).
2. Syllable Division: The syllable division, adhering to the rule of using only original letters, is: coun-ter-clock-wise.
3. Morphemic Analysis:
- Prefix: counter- (French origin, meaning "against" or "opposite"). Morphological function: Creates an antonym or indicates opposition.
- Root: clock (Old English clocca, from Latin clocca meaning "bell"). Morphological function: Noun denoting a timekeeping device.
- Suffix: -wise (Old English wīse, meaning "in the manner of"). Morphological function: Adverbial suffix indicating direction or manner.
4. Stress Identification: The primary stress falls on the third syllable: clock. Secondary stress falls on the first syllable: coun.
5. Phonetic Transcription: /ˌkaʊntərˈklɒkwaɪz/
6. Edge Case Review: Compound words and words with prefixes often present syllabification challenges. The hyphenated nature of "counter-" and "clockwise" influences the division.
7. Grammatical Role: "Counter-clockwise" primarily functions as an adverb, describing direction. As an adjective, the stress pattern remains the same.
8. Definition & Semantics:
- Definition: Moving or turning in the opposite direction to that in which the hands of a clock move.
- Grammatical Category: Adverb, Adjective
- Synonyms: anticlockwise (British English), leftward, reverse
- Antonyms: clockwise
- Examples: "Drive counter-clockwise around the roundabout." "The screw turns counter-clockwise to loosen."
9. Phonological Comparison:
- clockwise: clock-wise. Similar structure, stress on 'clock'.
- counteract: coun-ter-act. Similar prefix, stress on 'ter'.
- sunwise: sun-wise. Similar suffix, stress on 'sun'.
The consistent stress on the root/base word (clock, act, sun) and the prefix/suffix separation demonstrate a pattern in these words.
Detailed Syllable Analysis:
- coun: /kaʊn/ - Open syllable. Syllable division rule: Vowel followed by consonant(s). Potential exception: The 'ou' diphthong could be considered a complex nucleus.
- ter: /tər/ - Closed syllable. Syllable division rule: Consonant cluster followed by a vowel. Potential exception: The 'er' is a schwa-like sound, which can sometimes lead to different interpretations.
- clock: /klɒk/ - Closed syllable. Syllable division rule: Consonant cluster followed by a vowel. This syllable receives primary stress.
- wise: /waɪz/ - Closed syllable. Syllable division rule: Vowel followed by consonant(s).
Exceptions/Special Cases:
- The prefix "counter-" can sometimes be difficult to syllabify, as it's a compound element.
- The 'er' in 'counter' can be pronounced differently depending on regional accents.
Division Rules Applied:
- Vowel-Consonant (VC): When a syllable ends in a vowel sound, it's typically followed by a consonant.
- Consonant-Vowel (CV): When a syllable begins with a consonant sound, it's typically followed by a vowel.
- Consonant Cluster: Syllables are often divided before or after consonant clusters.
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What is hyphenation
Hyphenation is the use of hyphens to join words or parts of words. It plays a crucial role in writing, ensuring clarity and readability.
In compound terms like 'check-in', the hyphen clarifies relationships between words. It also assists in breaking words at line ends, preserving flow and understanding, such as in 'tele-communication'. Hyphenation rules vary; some words lose their hyphens with common usage (e.g., 'email' from 'e-mail'). It's an evolving aspect of language, with guidelines differing across style manuals. Understanding hyphenation improves writing quality, making it an indispensable tool in effective communication.