quasisuperficial
Syllables
qua-si-su-per-fi-ci-al
Pronunciation
/ˈkweɪzi ˌsuːpərˈfɪʃəl/
Stress
0010000
Morphemes
quasi- + superficial + -ial
The word 'quasi-superficial' is divided into seven syllables: qua-si-su-per-fi-ci-al. Stress falls on the third syllable ('per'). It's a compound adjective formed from a Latin prefix, root, and suffix. Syllabification follows vowel-following consonant and consonant cluster rules, with some phonetic exceptions like the 'ci' combination.
Definitions
- 1
Appearing to be superficial but not entirely so; somewhat superficial.
“The politician's concern for the environment seemed quasi-superficial, designed more for public image than actual change.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the third syllable ('per'). The prefix 'quasi-' and the final syllables are unstressed.
Syllables
qua — Open syllable, initial consonant cluster.. si — Open syllable, vowel-following consonant.. su — Open syllable, vowel-following consonant.. per — Stressed, open syllable.. fi — Open syllable, vowel-following consonant.. ci — Open syllable, consonant cluster.. al — Weak syllable, final syllable.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Vowel-Following Consonant Rule
Consonants following vowels are generally separated into their own syllables.
Consonant Cluster Rule
Consonant clusters are maintained within a syllable unless they can be naturally divided based on pronunciation.
Stress Assignment Rule
Stress is assigned based on morphological structure and vowel length/quality.
- The pronunciation of 'quasi-' with a diphthong /kweɪ/ influences the initial syllable division.
- The 'ci' combination produces a /ʃ/ sound, an exception to typical consonant pronunciation.
- Potential vowel reduction in 'super' in some dialects.
Nearby Words
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