downinthemouth
The word 'down-in-the-mouth' is a phrasal adjective divided into four syllables: down-in-the-mouth. Stress falls on 'down'. It's formed from a prefix, preposition, article, and root, following standard English syllabification rules based on vowel-consonant and diphthong-consonant patterns.
Definitions
- 1
Appearing sad or depressed; dejected.
“He looked utterly down-in-the-mouth after losing the game.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the first syllable ('down'). The remaining syllables are unstressed.
Syllables
down — Monosyllabic, open syllable.. in — Monosyllabic, closed syllable.. the — Monosyllabic, open syllable.. mouth — Monosyllabic, diphthong followed by consonant.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Vowel-Consonant (VC)
Syllables are often divided after a vowel when followed by a consonant.
Diphthong-Consonant (DC)
Syllables are divided after a diphthong when followed by a consonant.
- The phrase is idiomatic and functions as a single unit of meaning. Linking of 'in-the' in connected speech.
Nearby Words
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