Hyphenation ofnondiscriminating

Linguistic Analysis of "nondiscriminating"

1. Pronunciation Examination:

The word "nondiscriminating" is pronounced /ˌnɑnˈdɪskrɪmɪˌneɪtɪŋ/ in General American English. It presents challenges due to the prefix "non-" and the complex structure of the root "discriminate."

2. Syllable Division:

Following English syllabification rules, the word breaks down as follows (using only original letters): non-dis-crim-i-nat-ing

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• Prefix: non- (Latin origin, meaning "not"). Morphological function: negation.
• Root: discriminate (Latin discriminare - to distinguish). Morphological function: core meaning of distinguishing or differentiating.
• Suffix: -ing (English origin). Morphological function: progressive/gerundive aspect, forming a present participle.

4. Stress Identification:

The primary stress falls on the third syllable: non-dis-crim-i-nat-ing. Secondary stress is present on the first syllable: non-dis-crim-i-nat-ing.

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/ˌnɑnˈdɪskrɪmɪˌneɪtɪŋ/

6. Edge Case Review:

The combination of "non" and "discriminate" can sometimes lead to variations in perceived syllable boundaries, but the division above reflects the most common and phonologically justifiable breakdown. The "sc" cluster is treated as a single onset for the "crim" syllable.

7. Grammatical Role:

"Nondiscriminating" primarily functions as an adjective. As a present participle, it could theoretically be part of a continuous verb phrase (e.g., "was nondiscriminating"), but this is less common. The syllabification and stress remain consistent regardless of grammatical function.

8. Definition & Semantics:

• Definition: Showing or characterized by a lack of discrimination; impartial but often in a negative way, failing to make distinctions where they are appropriate or necessary.
• Grammatical Category: Adjective
• Synonyms: indiscriminate, unbiased, impartial, nonselective
• Antonyms: discriminating, selective, biased, prejudiced
• Example Usage: "The judge was criticized for making a nondiscriminating decision."

9. Phonological Comparison:

• "uncompromising": un-com-pro-mis-ing. Similar prefix structure and complex root. Stress pattern is also similar (un-com-pro-mis-ing).
• "misunderstanding": mis-un-der-stand-ing. Shares the "-ing" suffix and a complex root. Stress falls on the second syllable.
• "nonconformist": non-con-for-mist. Similar prefix and a multi-syllabic root. Stress falls on the second syllable.

The syllable division in "nondiscriminating" is consistent with these words, demonstrating the application of English syllabification rules regarding prefixes, suffixes, and consonant clusters.

10. Syllable Analysis Breakdown:

• non: /nɑn/ - Open syllable, unstressed. Rule: Syllable division before a consonant cluster.
• dis: /dɪs/ - Open syllable, unstressed. Rule: Syllable division after a single consonant.
• crim: /krɪm/ - Closed syllable, stressed. Rule: Consonant clusters are generally maintained within a syllable.
• i: /ɪ/ - Open syllable, unstressed. Rule: Vowel followed by consonant.
• nat: /neɪt/ - Closed syllable, unstressed. Rule: Vowel followed by consonant cluster.
• ing: /ɪŋ/ - Closed syllable, unstressed. Rule: Suffixes are generally separated into their own syllables.

11. Special Considerations:

The "non-" prefix can sometimes blend more closely with the root, but maintaining the separation is phonologically clearer and aligns with standard syllabification practices.

12. Division Rules Applied:

• Onset-Rime Division: Syllables are divided based on the onset (initial consonant sound(s)) and rime (vowel and any following consonants).
• Vowel-Consonant Division: Syllables are often divided after a single consonant following a vowel.
• Consonant Cluster Maintenance: Consonant clusters are generally kept together within a syllable.
• Prefix/Suffix Separation: Prefixes and suffixes are typically treated as separate syllables.