lighthandedness
Syllables
light-han-ded-ness
Pronunciation
/laɪt ˈhændɪdnəs/
Stress
0 1 0 0
Morphemes
light + hand + -edness
The word 'light-handedness' is a compound noun divided into four syllables: light-han-ded-ness. Primary stress falls on the second syllable. It's formed from the prefix 'light', the root 'hand', and the suffix '-edness'. Syllabification follows the onset-rime principle and sonority sequencing, with consideration for the compound structure.
Definitions
- 1
The quality or state of dealing with things gently or carefully; a lack of forcefulness or severity.
“He approached the delicate task with light-handedness.”
“Her light-handedness in negotiations prevented a breakdown in talks.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the second syllable ('han'). The stress pattern is typical for compound nouns with an initial modifying adjective.
Syllables
light — Open syllable, vowel-final.. han — Closed syllable, consonant-final.. ded — Closed syllable, consonant-final.. ness — Closed syllable, consonant-final.
Word Parts
Similar Words
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
Consonants within the onset and rime must follow a sonority hierarchy.
Compound Word Syllabification
Compound words are often divided between the constituent words.
- The compound structure of the word influences stress placement.
- The suffix '-ed' is typically reduced, but retains its full form in this context due to its integration within the larger suffix '-edness'.
Nearby Words
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