downattheheel
The phrase 'down-at-the-heel' is syllabified based on the V-C rule, dividing it into four syllables: down-at-the-heel. Stress falls on 'down' and 'heel'. It functions as an adjective and is a common idiomatic expression.
Definitions
- 1
In poor condition; shabby; worn out.
“His shoes were old and down-at-the-heel.”
“The house looked down-at-the-heel after years of neglect.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the first syllable of 'down' and the second syllable of 'heel'.
Syllables
down — Open syllable, vowel followed by a consonant.. at — Closed syllable, vowel followed by a consonant.. the — Open syllable, vowel followed by a consonant.. heel — Closed syllable, vowel followed by a consonant.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Onset-Rime
Syllables are structured around a vowel nucleus (rime) preceded by optional consonants (onset). V-C rule applied.
- The phrase is an idiomatic expression.
- Regional variations in pronunciation might slightly alter vowel sounds.
Nearby Words
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