holierthanthou
The phrase 'holier-than-thou' is divided into five syllables: ho-li-er-than-thou. The primary stress falls on the first syllable ('ho'). It functions as an adjective denoting self-righteousness and is morphologically derived from 'holy' with a comparative suffix '-er'.
Definitions
- 1
Having or showing a feeling of superiority; self-righteous.
“He had a holier-than-thou attitude about his charitable work.”
“Don't be so holier-than-thou; everyone makes mistakes.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the first syllable ('ho'). The remaining syllables are unstressed.
Syllables
ho — Open syllable, primary stress.. li — Open syllable, unstressed.. er — Closed syllable, unstressed.. than — Open syllable, unstressed.. thou — Diphthongal syllable, unstressed.
Word Parts
Vowel-Consonant Division
Syllables are often divided after a vowel sound when followed by a consonant.
Open Syllable Rule
Syllables ending in a vowel sound are considered open.
Closed Syllable Rule
Syllables ending in a consonant sound are considered closed.
Diphthong Rule
Diphthongs generally remain within a single syllable.
- The hyphenated nature of the phrase requires treating it as a single unit for stress and flow.
Nearby Words
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