counterintuitive
Syllables
coun-ter-in-tu-i-tive
Pronunciation
/ˌkaʊn.tər.ɪnˈtjuː.ɪ.tɪv/
Stress
010101
Morphemes
counter- + intuition + -ive
The word 'counterintuitive' is divided into six syllables: coun-ter-in-tu-i-tive. It features a prefix 'counter-', root 'intuition', and suffix '-ive'. Primary stress is on the third syllable. Syllable division follows vowel-consonant and consonant-vowel rules, maximizing onsets where possible.
Definitions
- 1
Contrary to what intuition or common sense would suggest.
“His counterintuitive decision to quit his job surprised everyone.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the third syllable (*tjuː*). Secondary stress is present on the first syllable (*kaʊn*).
Syllables
coun — Open syllable.. ter — Closed syllable, maximizing onset.. in — Closed syllable.. tu — Open syllable, contains a diphthong.. i — Open syllable.. tive — Closed syllable.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Vowel-Consonant (VC)
When a vowel is followed by a consonant, a syllable break typically occurs.
Consonant-Vowel (CV)
When a consonant is followed by a vowel, a syllable break typically occurs.
Maximizing Onset
When possible, consonants are assigned to the following syllable to create a legal onset.
Diphthong Rule
Diphthongs generally remain within a single syllable.
- The /tjuː/ sequence is a common diphthong in English and is treated as a single syllable.
- The /ɪn/ syllable is a relatively short, unstressed syllable.
- The word's length and complex morphology require careful consideration of syllable boundaries.
- The presence of the /tər/ cluster requires maximizing the onset to create a legal syllable structure.
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