Hyphenation ofnonextensibleness

Linguistic Analysis of "nonextensibleness"

1. Pronunciation Examination:

The word "nonextensibleness" is a complex word with multiple morphemes. Its pronunciation in US English involves a series of consonant clusters and vowel sounds that require careful syllabification.

2. Syllable Division:

Following English syllabification rules, the word breaks down as follows (using only original letters):

non-ex-ten-si-ble-ness

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• Prefix: non- (Latin origin, meaning "not") - Negation.
• Root: extend (Latin extendere - to stretch out) - Base meaning of capability to be stretched or broadened.
• Suffix: -ible (Latin -bilis) - Adjective forming suffix, meaning "capable of being".
• Suffix: -ness (Old English -nes) - Noun forming suffix, denoting a state or quality.

4. Stress Identification:

The primary stress falls on the fourth syllable: si.

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/ˌnɑn.ɪkˈstɛn.sɪ.bl̩.nəs/

6. Edge Case Review:

The presence of multiple suffixes and consonant clusters presents a challenge. The syllabification aims to adhere to the principle of maximizing onsets (consonant sounds at the beginning of a syllable). The schwa sound /ə/ is common in unstressed syllables.

7. Grammatical Role:

"Nonextensibleness" functions solely as a noun. Syllabification and stress remain consistent regardless of its grammatical context (as it's not inflected).

8. Definition & Semantics:

• Definition: The quality or state of not being capable of being extended; the inability to be broadened or expanded.
• Grammatical Category: Noun
• Synonyms: inextensibility, unexpandability, rigidity
• Antonyms: extensibility, flexibility, malleability
• Example Usage: "The nonextensibleness of the contract terms left little room for negotiation."

9. Phonological Comparison:

• Impossibility: im-pos-si-bil-i-ty - Similar structure with multiple suffixes. Stress falls on the third syllable.
• Inflexibility: in-flex-i-bil-i-ty - Similar prefix and suffix structure. Stress falls on the third syllable.
• Responsibility: re-spon-si-bil-i-ty - Similar suffix structure. Stress falls on the third syllable.

The consistent stress pattern on the antepenultimate syllable in these words (when the suffixes are similar) highlights a common feature of English noun formation with these suffixes. "Nonextensibleness" deviates slightly due to the initial "non-" prefix, shifting the stress forward.

10. Division Rules:

• Vowel Consonant Exception (VCE): When a vowel is followed by a consonant and then another vowel, the word is divided between the vowels (e.g., ex-ten).
• Consonant Blend Division: Consonant blends (like "bl" in "ble") are generally kept together within a syllable.
• Prefix/Suffix Division: Prefixes and suffixes are typically separated into their own syllables.
• Maximize Onsets: Syllables are formed to maximize the number of consonants in the onset (beginning) of the syllable.

11. Special Considerations:

The word's length and complexity make it prone to mis-syllabification. The schwa sound in unstressed syllables can be reduced or elided in rapid speech, potentially affecting perceived syllable boundaries.

12. Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations:

While the provided IPA transcription represents the most common US English pronunciation, slight variations may occur. Some speakers might reduce the vowel in "non" to a schwa /nən/, potentially influencing the perceived syllable boundary.