expressionlessly
The word 'expressionlessly' is divided into five syllables: ex-pres-sion-less-ly. The primary stress falls on 'pres'. Syllabification follows open/closed syllable rules, suffix separation, and vowel digraph considerations. The word is morphologically complex, consisting of a prefix, root, and multiple suffixes.
Definitions
- 1
In a manner lacking expression; without showing feelings or thoughts.
“He stared expressionlessly at the painting.”
“She replied expressionlessly to his question.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the third syllable ('pres'). The first, fourth, and fifth syllables are unstressed.
Syllables
ex — Open syllable, initial syllable.. pres — Closed syllable, primary stress.. sion — Open syllable, contains a vowel digraph.. less — Closed syllable, contains a suffix.. ly — Open syllable, adverbial suffix.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Open/Closed Syllable Rule
Syllables are divided based on whether they end in a vowel sound (open) or a consonant sound (closed).
Suffix Division
Suffixes are generally separated into their own syllables.
Vowel Digraphs
Vowel digraphs (like 'io' in 'sion') are treated as a single vowel sound for syllable division.
- Potential variation in pronunciation of the 'ex-' prefix.
- The 's' in 'sion' could be analyzed differently by some phonologists, but the chosen division maintains consistency.
Nearby Words
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