Hyphenation ofirretrievability
Syllable Division:
ir-re-triev-a-bil-i-ty
Phonetic Transcription:(how the word sounds using IPA symbols)
/ˌɪrɪˈtriːvəbɪlɪti/
Stress Pattern:(which syllables are emphasized when speaking)
0001000
Primary stress falls on the fourth syllable ('a').
Syllables are the building blocks of words - each one typically contains a vowel sound
Open syllable, initial consonant cluster.
Open syllable.
Closed syllable with a complex consonant cluster.
Unstressed schwa vowel. Open syllable.
Closed syllable.
Open syllable.
Closed syllable.
Morphemes are the smallest meaningful parts of words: prefixes (beginning), roots (core meaning), and suffixes (ending)
Prefix: ir-
Old English *un-* + Latin *in-*; negation.
Root: retrieve
Latin *retrievare*; to recover.
Suffix: -ability
Latin *-abilitas*; capacity to be.
The quality or state of being impossible to recover or regain.
Examples:
"The loss of the data was complete; its irretrievability was devastating."
Words with similar syllable patterns or pronunciation features
Similar structure with a prefix, root, and -ity suffix.
Similar structure, stress on the third syllable.
Similar structure, stress on the third syllable.
The linguistic principles used to determine where syllables begin and end
Vowel-Consonant-Vowel (VCV)
Syllables are generally divided between vowels.
Consonant Cluster Rule
Consonant clusters are maintained within a syllable unless they are easily separable based on pronunciation.
Open/Closed Syllable Rule
Syllables ending in vowels are open; those ending in consonants are closed.
Important exceptions or unusual features in this word's pronunciation or structure
The initial 'ir-' prefix can sometimes be pronounced as a single syllable /ɪr/.
The complex consonant cluster '-triev-' requires careful consideration.
Summary:
The word 'irretrievability' is a seven-syllable noun with primary stress on the fourth syllable. It's formed from the prefix 'ir-', the root 'retrieve', and the suffixes '-ability' and '-ity'. Syllabification follows standard English rules of vowel-consonant division and consonant cluster maintenance.
Detailed Analysis:
Linguistic Analysis of "irretrievability"
1. Pronunciation Examination:
The word "irretrievability" is a complex noun in US English, often pronounced with a relatively even stress distribution, though the fourth syllable receives primary stress. It contains multiple morphemes and presents challenges in syllabification due to consonant clusters.
2. Syllable Division:
Following US English syllabification rules, the word breaks down as follows (using only original letters): ir-re-triev-a-bil-i-ty
3. Morphemic Analysis:
- Prefix: ir- (Old English un- + Latin in-) - meaning "not". Negation.
- Root: retrieve (Latin retrievare - to find again) - meaning to recover or get back.
- Suffix: -ability (Latin -abilitas) - meaning the capacity or possibility to be. Forms a noun from an adjective.
- Suffix: -ity (Latin -itas) - forms abstract nouns.
4. Stress Identification:
The primary stress falls on the fourth syllable: ir-re-triev-a-bil-i-ty.
5. Phonetic Transcription:
/ˌɪrɪˈtriːvəbɪlɪti/
6. Edge Case Review:
The consonant cluster "-triev-" is a potential area for variation, but the standard pronunciation maintains the /triːv/ sequence. The vowel reduction in unstressed syllables is typical.
7. Grammatical Role:
"Irretrievability" functions solely as a noun. As such, the syllabification and stress pattern remain consistent.
8. Definition & Semantics:
- Definition: The quality or state of being impossible to recover or regain.
- Grammatical Category: Noun
- Synonyms: irreparability, unrecoverability, hopelessness
- Antonyms: recoverability, retrievability
- Examples: "The loss of the data was complete; its irretrievability was devastating."
9. Phonological Comparison:
- Responsibility: re-spon-si-bil-i-ty - Similar structure with a prefix, root, and -ity suffix. Stress on the third syllable.
- Accessibility: ac-ces-si-bil-i-ty - Similar structure, stress on the third syllable.
- Probability: pro-ba-bil-i-ty - Similar structure, stress on the third syllable.
The consistent stress pattern on the antepenultimate syllable in these words (except for "irretrievability") highlights the influence of the -ity suffix. The initial "ir-" in "irretrievability" shifts the stress forward.
Detailed Syllable Analysis:
| Syllable | IPA Transcription | Description | Rule Applied | Exceptions/Special Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ir | /ɪr/ | Open syllable, initial consonant cluster. | Consonant cluster rule: Consonants at the beginning of a syllable are grouped together. | |
| re | /ri/ | Open syllable. | Vowel-consonant-vowel rule: Syllables are typically divided after vowels. | |
| triev | /triːv/ | Closed syllable with a complex consonant cluster. | Consonant cluster rule: Complex clusters are maintained within a syllable. | Potential for simplification in some dialects. |
| a | /ə/ | Unstressed schwa vowel. Open syllable. | Vowel-consonant-vowel rule. | Vowel reduction is common in unstressed syllables. |
| bil | /bɪl/ | Closed syllable. | Vowel-consonant-vowel rule. | |
| i | /ɪ/ | Open syllable. | Vowel-consonant-vowel rule. | |
| ty | /ti/ | Closed syllable. | Consonant-vowel rule. |
Division Rules Applied:
- Vowel-Consonant-Vowel (VCV): Syllables are generally divided between vowels.
- Consonant Cluster Rule: Consonant clusters are maintained within a syllable unless they are easily separable based on pronunciation.
- Open/Closed Syllable Rule: Syllables ending in vowels are open; those ending in consonants are closed.
Special Considerations:
The initial "ir-" prefix can sometimes be pronounced as a single syllable /ɪr/, influencing the stress pattern. The complex consonant cluster "-triev-" requires careful consideration, but the standard pronunciation maintains the cluster.
Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations:
Some speakers might slightly reduce the vowel in "a-bil-i-ty" to a schwa /ə/. Regional accents could also influence the pronunciation of the /r/ sounds.
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