counterhypothesis
Syllables
coun-ter-hy-poth-e-sis
Pronunciation
/ˈkaʊntərhaɪˈpɒθɪsɪs/
Stress
100100
Morphemes
counter- + hypo- + -thesis
The word 'counterhypothesis' is divided into six syllables: coun-ter-hy-poth-e-sis. It consists of the prefix 'counter-', the root 'hypo-', and the suffix '-thesis'. Primary stress falls on the third syllable ('hy'). Syllabification follows standard English rules of onset maximization and vowel nucleus requirements.
Definitions
- 1
A hypothesis that contradicts or opposes another hypothesis.
“The scientist proposed a counterhypothesis to explain the unexpected results.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the third syllable ('hy'), and a secondary stress is present on the first syllable ('coun').
Syllables
coun — Open syllable, vowel followed by consonant(s).. ter — Closed syllable, consonant followed by vowel and consonant.. hy — Open syllable, diphthong followed by consonant.. poth — Closed syllable, consonant blend followed by vowel and consonant.. e — Open syllable, single vowel.. sis — Closed syllable, consonant followed by vowel and consonant.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Onset Maximization
Attempting to include as many consonants as possible in the onset of a syllable.
Vowel Nucleus
Every syllable must have a vowel sound (nucleus).
Closed vs. Open Syllables
Syllables ending in a consonant are closed; those ending in a vowel are open.
- The 'ter' syllable is a relatively short syllable, but follows the rule of maximizing onsets.
- The diphthong /aɪ/ in 'hy' is a common feature of English phonology and doesn't present a syllabification challenge.
Nearby Words
17 wordsTrending in English (US)
Terms getting hyphenated by users right now.