counterintrigues
Syllables
coun-ter-in-trigues
Pronunciation
/ˌkaʊn.tər.ɪnˈtriːɡz/
Stress
2001
Morphemes
counter- + intrigue + -s
The word 'counterintrigues' divides into four syllables: coun-ter-in-trigues. It combines the prefix 'counter-' (against) with the root 'intrigue' (secret scheme) plus the plural/verbal suffix '-s.' Primary stress falls on 'trigues' with secondary stress on 'coun.' The Maximal Onset Principle places /tr/ with the final syllable, and morpheme boundaries are respected at the prefix-root join.
Definitions
- 1
Plots or schemes devised to oppose or thwart another's intrigues.
“The ambassador's counterintrigues successfully neutralized the rival faction's plans.”
- 1
To engage in plotting against another's schemes; to intrigue in opposition.
“She counterintrigues at every turn to protect her interests.”
Stress pattern
Secondary stress on syllable 1 ('coun'), unstressed syllables 2 and 3 ('ter', 'in'), primary stress on syllable 4 ('trigues').
Syllables
coun — Closed syllable with diphthong nucleus; carries secondary stress.. ter — Closed syllable with schwa nucleus; unstressed.. in — Closed syllable; unstressed; part of the root 'intrigue.'. trigues — Closed syllable with long vowel; carries primary stress; legal /tr/ onset.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Morpheme Boundary Rule
The prefix 'counter-' is recognized as a distinct morpheme, creating a syllable boundary after 'ter.'
Maximal Onset Principle
The cluster /tr/ is a legal English onset, so the syllable boundary is placed before 'tr,' yielding 'in-trigues.'
Compound Sensitivity
At the join of 'counter-' and 'intrigues,' the syllable boundary respects the morphological structure.
- Rare word; primarily encountered in literary or historical contexts.
- No irregular stress shifts between noun and verb forms.
- American English may use /tɚ/ for 'ter' while British English uses /tə/; syllable division is unaffected.
Nearby Words
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