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Word Analysis

secretary-general

Complete linguistic analysis including syllable division, pronunciation, morphology, and definitions.

7 syllables
17 characters
English (US)
Enriched
7syllables

secretarygeneral

Linguistic Analysis

Syllables

sec-re-ta-ry-gen-er-al

Pronunciation

/ˈsɛk.rə.teri ˈdʒɛn.ər.əl/

Stress

1010101

Morphemes

secretary, general

The compound noun 'secretary-general' is divided into seven syllables: sec-re-ta-ry-gen-er-al, with primary stress on 'ta' and secondary stress on 'sec'. It's derived from Latin roots and follows standard US English syllabification rules, with the hyphen playing a crucial role in defining the syllable boundaries.

Definitions

noun
  1. 1

    The chief administrative officer of an international organization.

    The Secretary-General addressed the assembly.

Stress pattern

Primary stress on the third syllable ('ta') and secondary stress on the first syllable ('sec').

Syllables

7
sec/sɛk/
re/rə/
ta/tə/
ry/ri/
gen/dʒɛn/
er/ər/
al/əl/

sec Closed syllable, initial consonant cluster.. re Open syllable, schwa vowel.. ta Open syllable, schwa vowel.. ry Open syllable, vowel followed by 'y'.. gen Open syllable, initial consonant cluster.. er Open syllable, 'er' sound.. al Closed syllable, final consonant cluster.

VCC Rule

Consonant clusters followed by a vowel are typically separated.

V Rule

Single vowels generally form their own syllable.

Hyphen Rule

Hyphens indicate a syllable break.

  • The hyphenated structure significantly influences syllable division. Schwa reduction is possible in unstressed syllables. Regional accents may affect vowel pronunciation.
Analysis by gemma3:27b · 6/8/2025
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