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Hyphenation ofimpressionableness

Syllable Division & Pronunciation

Syllable Division:

im-pres-sion-a-ble-ness

Phonetic Transcription:(how the word sounds using IPA symbols)

/ɪmˌprɛʃənˈɛblnəs/

Stress Pattern:(which syllables are emphasized when speaking)

001000

Primary stress falls on the third syllable ('sion'). Secondary stress on the first syllable ('im').

Detailed Syllable Breakdown

Syllables are the building blocks of words - each one typically contains a vowel sound

im/ɪm/

Closed syllable, unstressed.

pres/prɛs/

Closed syllable, unstressed.

sion/ʃən/

Closed syllable, primary stressed.

a/ə/

Open syllable, unstressed (schwa).

ble/blɛ/

Closed syllable, unstressed.

ness/nəs/

Closed syllable, unstressed.

Morphemic Breakdown

Morphemes are the smallest meaningful parts of words: prefixes (beginning), roots (core meaning), and suffixes (ending)

im-(prefix)
+
press(root)
+
-ion(suffix)

Prefix: im-

Latin origin, meaning 'not' or 'in', negative prefix.

Root: press

Latin origin (*premere*), meaning 'to press', core meaning.

Suffix: -ion

Latin origin (-*io*), nominal suffix forming a noun.

Meanings & Definitions
noun(grammatical role in sentences)

The quality of being easily impressed; susceptibility to influence.

Examples:

"Her impressionableness made her vulnerable to manipulation."

"The child's impressionableness was evident in her eagerness to please."

Similar Words Comparison

Words with similar syllable patterns or pronunciation features

Responsibilityre-spon-si-bil-i-ty

Similar structure with multiple suffixes and stress pattern.

Accessibilityac-ces-si-bil-i-ty

Similar structure with multiple suffixes and stress pattern.

Understandablenessun-der-stand-a-ble-ness

Similar structure with multiple suffixes, but different stress placement due to root syllable weight.

Syllable Division Rules

The linguistic principles used to determine where syllables begin and end

Onset-Rime Principle

Syllables are formed around a vowel nucleus with preceding and following consonants.

Sonority Sequencing Principle

Consonant clusters are broken down based on sonority.

Suffix Division

Suffixes are generally separated into their own syllables.

Special Considerations

Important exceptions or unusual features in this word's pronunciation or structure

The '-sion' cluster is treated as a single syllable based on established pronunciation patterns.

No major exceptions to standard syllabification rules.

Analysis Summary

Summary:

The word 'impressionableness' is divided into six syllables: im-pres-sion-a-ble-ness. Primary stress falls on 'sion'. It's a noun formed from a Latin root with multiple suffixes indicating a state or quality of being easily influenced.

Detailed Analysis:

Linguistic Analysis of "impressionableness"

1. Pronunciation Examination:

The word "impressionableness" is pronounced /ɪmˌprɛʃənˈɛblnəs/ in US English. It's a relatively complex word with multiple morphemes and potential syllabic ambiguities.

2. Syllable Division:

im-pres-sion-able-ness

3. Morphemic Analysis:

  • Prefix: im- (Latin, meaning "not" or "in") - Negation.
  • Root: press (Latin, premere meaning "to press") - Core meaning related to making an imprint.
  • Suffix: -ion (Latin, -io nominal suffix) - Forms a noun from a verb.
  • Suffix: -able (Latin, -abilis) - Adjectival suffix meaning "capable of being".
  • Suffix: -ness (Old English, -nes) - Forms a noun denoting a state or quality.

4. Stress Identification:

The primary stress falls on the third syllable: im-pres-sion-a-ble-ness. Secondary stress is on the first syllable: im-pres-sion-a-ble-ness.

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/ɪmˌprɛʃənˈɛblnəs/

6. Edge Case Review:

The sequence "-sion" can sometimes be a point of syllabification debate. However, in this case, it's generally treated as a single syllable due to the sonority sequence and common pronunciation. The "-able" suffix is also a common point of syllabification, but it is clearly a separate syllable here.

7. Grammatical Role:

"Impressionableness" functions primarily as a noun. The syllabification and stress remain consistent regardless of its grammatical role.

8. Definition & Semantics:

  • Definition: The quality of being easily impressed; susceptibility to influence.
  • Grammatical Category: Noun
  • Synonyms: suggestibility, sensitivity, responsiveness, receptivity
  • Antonyms: indifference, apathy, skepticism, resistance
  • Examples: "Her impressionableness made her vulnerable to manipulation." "The child's impressionableness was evident in her eagerness to please."

9. Phonological Comparison:

  • Responsibility: re-spon-si-bil-i-ty - Similar structure with multiple suffixes. Stress falls on the third syllable.
  • Accessibility: ac-ces-si-bil-i-ty - Similar structure with multiple suffixes. Stress falls on the third syllable.
  • Understandableness: un-der-stand-a-ble-ness - Similar structure with multiple suffixes. Stress falls on the fourth syllable.

The differences in stress placement are due to the weight and sonority of the root and suffixes. "Impressionableness" has a heavier root syllable ("sion") which pulls the stress forward compared to "understandableness".

10. Division Rules:

  • Onset-Rime Principle: Syllables are formed around a vowel nucleus, with preceding consonants forming the onset and following consonants forming the rime.
  • Sonority Sequencing Principle: Consonant clusters are broken down based on sonority (loudness).
  • Moraic Weight: Longer or more complex syllables tend to attract stress.
  • Suffix Division: Suffixes are generally separated into their own syllables.

11. Special Considerations:

The word is relatively straightforward in its syllabification, with no major exceptions. The "-sion" cluster is treated as a single syllable based on established pronunciation patterns.

12. Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations:

While the provided IPA transcription is standard for US English, some regional variations might exist in vowel quality or stress intensity. However, these variations are unlikely to significantly alter the syllable division.

Analysis generated by gemma3:27b on 6/7/2025

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What is hyphenation

Hyphenation is the use of hyphens to join words or parts of words. It plays a crucial role in writing, ensuring clarity and readability.

In compound terms like 'check-in', the hyphen clarifies relationships between words. It also assists in breaking words at line ends, preserving flow and understanding, such as in 'tele-communication'. Hyphenation rules vary; some words lose their hyphens with common usage (e.g., 'email' from 'e-mail'). It's an evolving aspect of language, with guidelines differing across style manuals. Understanding hyphenation improves writing quality, making it an indispensable tool in effective communication.