counterclockwise
Syllables
coun-ter-clock-wise
Pronunciation
/ˌkaʊntərˈklɒkwaɪz/
Stress
0101
Morphemes
counter- + clock + -wise
The word 'counterclockwise' is divided into four syllables: coun-ter-clock-wise. It features a prefix 'counter-', a root 'clock', and a suffix '-wise'. Primary stress falls on 'clock', with secondary stress on 'coun'. Syllabification follows VCV and CVC patterns, applying the Maximal Onset Principle.
Definitions
- 1
Moving or turning in the opposite direction of the hands of a clock.
“Drive counterclockwise around the roundabout.”
ant:clockwise
Stress pattern
Primary stress on the third syllable ('clock'). Secondary stress on the first syllable ('coun').
Syllables
coun — Open syllable, secondary stress.. ter — Closed syllable, unstressed.. clock — Closed syllable, primary stress.. wise — Closed syllable, unstressed.
Word Parts
counter-
Latin, meaning "against" or "opposite", functions as a prefix indicating opposition.
clock
Old English, meaning "bell" then "time-keeping device", functions as the base denoting direction.
-wise
Old English, meaning "in the manner of", functions as a suffix indicating direction or manner.
Similar Words
VCV pattern
Applied to 'coun' and 'wise' syllables.
CVC pattern
Applied to 'ter' and 'clock' syllables.
Maximal Onset Principle
Applied where possible to create legal onsets.
- The 'ter' syllable is relatively uncommon but follows standard CVC structure.
- The compound-like structure (prefix + root + suffix) influences the syllable division.
Nearby Words
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