direct examination
Syllables
di-rect ex-am-i-na-tion
Pronunciation
/dəˈraɪkt ɪɡˌzæm.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/
Stress
10 00010
Morphemes
ex- + direct/amin + -ation
The phrase 'direct examination' is divided into seven syllables: di-rect ex-am-i-na-tion. Stress falls on the first syllable of 'direct' and the third syllable of 'examination'. The syllabification follows standard US English vowel and consonant cluster rules, with morphemic boundaries influencing the division.
Definitions
- 1
The initial questioning of a witness by the attorney who calls that witness to testify.
“The attorney began the direct examination of the key witness.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the first syllable of 'direct' and the third syllable of 'examination'.
Syllables
di — Open syllable, stressed.. rect — Closed syllable, unstressed.. ex — Open syllable, unstressed.. am — Closed syllable, unstressed.. i — Open syllable, unstressed.. na — Open syllable, stressed.. tion — Closed syllable, unstressed.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Vowel Rule
Syllables are typically divided around vowel sounds.
Consonant Cluster Rule
Consonant clusters are often split to avoid creating complex syllable onsets or codas.
- The compound nature of the phrase requires considering the syllabification of each word separately.
- Regional variations in pronunciation might slightly alter the syllable boundaries, but the overall structure remains consistent.
Nearby Words
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