Hyphenation ofnonabstemiousness

Linguistic Analysis of "nonabstemiousness"

1. Pronunciation & Initial Examination:

The word "nonabstemiousness" is a complex noun denoting a lack of moderation. Its pronunciation in US English is approximately /ˌnɑnəbˈstɛmiəsnes/. It presents challenges due to its length, multiple morphemes, and potential for varied stress placement depending on emphasis.

2. Syllable Division:

Following US English syllabification rules, the word breaks down as follows (using only original letters): non-ab-ste-mi-ous-ness

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• Prefix: non- (Latin, meaning "not") - Negation.
• Root: stem (Latin stēre meaning "to stand firm, restrain") - Core meaning related to self-control.
• Suffixes:
  • -ab- (Latin, combining form) - Intensifier, often used with stem.
  • -ious (Latin -ōsus) - Adjective forming suffix, meaning "full of, characterized by".
  • -ness (Old English -nes) - Noun forming suffix, denoting a state or quality.

4. Stress Identification:

The primary stress falls on the fifth syllable: non-ab-ste-mi-ous-ness. Secondary stress may occur on the first syllable: non-ab-ste-mi-ous-ness.

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/ˌnɑnəbˈstɛmiəsnes/

6. Syllable Breakdown & Rule Application:

Here's a detailed breakdown of each syllable, with IPA transcription, rule application, and potential exceptions:

• non: /nɑn/ - Open syllable. Rule: Vowel followed by consonant(s). Exception: Initial syllable often receives some stress.
• ab: /æb/ - Open syllable. Rule: Vowel followed by consonant(s).
• ste: /stɛ/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Consonant cluster followed by vowel, ending in a consonant.
• mi: /mi/ - Open syllable. Rule: Vowel following consonant.
• ous: /əs/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Vowel followed by consonant(s).
• ness: /nəs/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Vowel followed by consonant(s).

7. Edge Case Review:

The sequence "-ious-ness" is a common suffixation pattern, but the length of the word and the presence of multiple suffixes can lead to ambiguity in perceived syllable boundaries for some speakers.

8. Grammatical Role:

"Nonabstemiousness" functions solely as a noun. Syllabification and stress remain consistent regardless of its grammatical context within a sentence.

9. Definition & Semantics:

• Definition: The state of not abstaining; lack of self-restraint, especially in relation to indulgence in something.
• Grammatical Category: Noun
• Synonyms: Immoderation, intemperance, dissoluteness, profligacy
• Antonyms: Abstinence, temperance, moderation, self-control
• Examples: "His nonabstemiousness in matters of food led to health problems." "The politician's nonabstemiousness with campaign funds was a scandal."

10. Alternative Pronunciations & Regional Variations:

Some speakers might reduce the vowel in the unstressed syllables (e.g., /nɑnəbˈstɛmiəsnəs/), but the core syllable division remains the same. Regional accents might influence vowel quality, but not syllable boundaries.

11. Phonological Comparison:

• righteousness: right-eous-ness (similar suffixation, stress on the penultimate syllable)
• temperateness: temp-er-ate-ness (similar structure, stress on the antepenultimate syllable)
• courageousness: cour-age-ous-ness (similar suffixation, stress on the antepenultimate syllable)

The key difference lies in the length and complexity of the root and prefix in "nonabstemiousness," leading to a greater number of syllables and a shift in stress placement. The other words have shorter roots and simpler prefixation.