secondincommand
The word 'second-in-command' is a compound noun phrase with five syllables: sec-ond-in-com-mand. Primary stress falls on 'com', with secondary stress on 'sec'. It's morphologically composed of the prefix 'second', the interfix 'in', and the root 'command'. Syllabification follows standard onset-rime and coda division rules, with the hyphenated structure being a significant factor.
Definitions
- 1
A person who is second in authority to the commander or leader.
“The general appointed a capable second-in-command.”
“She served as the CEO's second-in-command for many years.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the third syllable ('com'), and secondary stress on the first syllable ('sec'). The other syllables are unstressed.
Syllables
sec — Open syllable, stressed. ond — Closed syllable, unstressed. in — Open syllable, unstressed. com — Open syllable, primary stress. mand — Closed syllable, unstressed
Word Parts
Similar Words
Onset-Rime Division
Syllables are divided between the onset (initial consonants) and the rime (vowel and following consonants).
Consonant-Coda Division
When a syllable ends in a consonant, that consonant forms the coda.
Vowel-Coda Division
When a syllable ends in a vowel, it's an open syllable.
Stress Assignment
Primary stress falls on the third syllable ('com') due to its prominence in the root word 'command'. Secondary stress falls on the first syllable ('sec') as part of the compound structure.
- The hyphenated structure is a key exception.
- The interfix 'in' presents a unique case, not fitting neatly into traditional morphemic categories.
- Regional variations in pronunciation (e.g., rhotic vs. non-rhotic accents) could affect vowel quality but not syllable division.
Nearby Words
17 wordsTrending in English (US)
Terms getting hyphenated by users right now.