counterintelligence
Syllables
coun-ter-in-tel-li-gence
Pronunciation
/ˌkaʊntərɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/
Stress
010100
Morphemes
counter- + intel- + -ligence
The word 'counterintelligence' is divided into six syllables: coun-ter-in-tel-li-gence. It consists of the prefix 'counter-', the root 'intel-', and the suffix '-ligence'. Primary stress falls on 'tel-'. Syllable division follows standard vowel-consonant and consonant-vowel rules, with considerations for vowel-r combinations and consonant clusters.
Definitions
- 1
Activities devoted to defeating the intelligence operations of a hostile foreign power or of its agents.
“The agency is heavily involved in counterintelligence work.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the third syllable from the end ('tel-'). Secondary stress falls on the first syllable ('coun-').
Syllables
coun — Open syllable, unstressed.. ter — Closed syllable, secondary stress.. in — Closed syllable, unstressed.. tel — Closed syllable, primary stress.. li — Open syllable, unstressed.. gence — Closed syllable, unstressed.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Vowel-Consonant (VC)
Syllables are often divided after a vowel when followed by a consonant(s).
Consonant-Vowel (CV)
Syllables are often divided before a vowel when preceded by a consonant.
Vowel-R Combination
'er', 'ir', 'ur' often form a syllable.
Consonant Clusters
Syllables are divided around consonant clusters based on pronounceability.
- The word's length and complex morphology can lead to mis-syllabification.
- The 'r' in 'ter' is crucial for syllable formation.
- Pronunciation of 'c' and 'g' can vary based on following vowels.
Nearby Words
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