Hyphenation ofnonapplicability

Linguistic Analysis of "nonapplicability"

1. Pronunciation Examination:

The word "nonapplicability" is pronounced as /ˌnɑnəplɪˈkeɪbɪlɪti/ in General American English. It presents challenges due to the prefix "non-", the complex root "applicab-", and the suffix "-ility".

2. Syllable Division:

Following English syllabification rules, the word divides as follows (using only original letters): non-ap-pli-ca-bil-i-ty

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• Prefix: non- (Latin origin) - Negation.
• Root: applicab- (Latin applicare - to apply) - Relating to application or suitability.
• Suffix: -ility (Latin -abilitas) - Forming abstract nouns denoting a quality or state.

4. Stress Identification:

The primary stress falls on the fourth syllable: /ˌnɑnəplɪˈkeɪbɪlɪti/.

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/ˌnɑnəplɪˈkeɪbɪlɪti/

6. Edge Case Review:

The sequence "pli" can sometimes be a point of variation, but in this case, it's clearly part of the "ap-pli-" syllable due to the consonant cluster. The "ility" suffix is a common and relatively straightforward case.

7. Grammatical Role:

"Nonapplicability" functions solely as a noun. There are no shifts in syllabification or stress based on different grammatical roles.

8. Definition & Semantics:

• Definition: The quality or state of not being applicable; irrelevance.
• Grammatical Category: Noun
• Synonyms: inapplicability, irrelevance, unsuitability
• Antonyms: applicability, relevance, suitability
• Examples: "The court cited the nonapplicability of the law to this case." "Due to the unique circumstances, the standard regulations faced issues of nonapplicability."

9. Phonological Comparison:

• Improbability: im-prob-a-bil-i-ty - Similar structure with the "-ility" suffix. Stress falls on the third syllable.
• Incapability: in-ca-pa-bil-i-ty - Similar prefix and suffix. Stress falls on the third syllable.
• Responsibility: re-spon-si-bil-i-ty - Similar suffix. Stress falls on the third syllable.

The consistent stress on the antepenultimate syllable in these words (when the suffix is "-ility") demonstrates a regular pattern in English. "Nonapplicability" deviates from this pattern due to the initial "non-" prefix, which shifts the stress forward.

Detailed Syllable Breakdown & Rules:

Division Rules Applied:

1. Onset-Rime Division: Syllables are divided into an onset (initial consonant(s)) and a rime (vowel and any following consonants).
2. Vowel-Consonant Division: Syllables are often divided after a vowel, especially when followed by a consonant.
3. Consonant Cluster Rule: Consonant clusters are generally kept together within a syllable.
4. Vowel-Only Syllable: A single vowel can form a syllable.

Special Considerations:

The prefix "non-" often creates a separate syllable. The "ap-" portion is a relatively common syllable onset. The "-ility" suffix is a standard ending and doesn't present significant challenges.

Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations:

Some speakers might slightly reduce the vowel in the first syllable (/nɑn/) to a schwa (/nən/), but this doesn't significantly alter the syllable division.

Short Analysis:

"Nonapplicability" is a seven-syllable noun with primary stress on the fourth syllable (/ˌnɑnəplɪˈkeɪbɪlɪti/). It's formed from the prefix "non-", the root "applicab-", and the suffix "-ility". Syllabification follows standard English rules of onset-rime division and vowel-consonant separation, with the prefix creating a distinct syllable.