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Hyphenation ofself-aggrandizing

Syllable Division & Pronunciation

Syllable Division:

self-ag-gran-di-zing

Phonetic Transcription:(how the word sounds using IPA symbols)

/ˌselfəˈɡrændaɪzɪŋ/

Stress Pattern:(which syllables are emphasized when speaking)

0 0 1 1 1

Primary stress falls on the third syllable ('di'), and secondary stress on the first syllable ('self').

Detailed Syllable Breakdown

Syllables are the building blocks of words - each one typically contains a vowel sound

self/sɛlf/

Open syllable, unstressed.

ag/æɡ/

Closed syllable, unstressed.

gran/ɡræn/

Closed syllable, unstressed.

di/daɪ/

Diphthong syllable, stressed.

zing/zɪŋ/

Closed syllable, stressed.

Morphemic Breakdown

Morphemes are the smallest meaningful parts of words: prefixes (beginning), roots (core meaning), and suffixes (ending)

self(prefix)
+
grand(root)
+
izing(suffix)

Prefix: self

Old English, reflexive pronoun functioning as a prefix.

Root: grand

Latin *grandis* - large, great.

Suffix: izing

Combination of -ize (Greek) and -ing (English) suffixes.

Meanings & Definitions
adjective(grammatical role in sentences)

Excessively proud of oneself; boastful.

Examples:

"His self-aggrandizing behavior alienated his colleagues."

"She was accused of writing a self-aggrandizing memoir."

Similar Words Comparison

Words with similar syllable patterns or pronunciation features

understandingun-der-stand-ing

Shares the '-ing' suffix, similar syllable structure.

overlookingo-ver-look-ing

Shares the '-ing' suffix and a prefix, similar syllable structure.

magnifyingmag-ni-fy-ing

Shares the '-ing' suffix, similar syllable structure.

Syllable Division Rules

The linguistic principles used to determine where syllables begin and end

Vowel-Consonant

Syllables typically end in vowels.

Consonant Clusters

Consonant clusters are often maintained within a syllable.

Diphthongs

Diphthongs form a single syllable nucleus.

Morpheme Boundaries

Syllable division often respects morpheme boundaries.

Special Considerations

Important exceptions or unusual features in this word's pronunciation or structure

The word's length and complex morphology require careful consideration of stress placement and syllable boundaries.

The prefix 'self-' is often unstressed.

Analysis Summary

Summary:

The word 'self-aggrandizing' is divided into five syllables: self-ag-gran-di-zing. It features a prefix 'self-', a root 'grand-', and suffixes '-ize' and '-ing'. Primary stress falls on the 'di' syllable. The syllabification follows standard US English rules, respecting vowel-consonant patterns, consonant clusters, and morpheme boundaries.

Detailed Analysis:

Linguistic Analysis of "self-aggrandizing"

1. Pronunciation Examination:

The word "self-aggrandizing" is pronounced /ˌselfəˈɡrændaɪzɪŋ/ in US English. It presents challenges due to its length, multiple morphemes, and potential for varying stress patterns depending on context.

2. Syllable Division:

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

self-ag-gran-di-zing

3. Morphemic Analysis:

  • Prefix: self- (Old English) - reflexive pronoun functioning as a prefix indicating the action is performed by the subject.
  • Root: grand- (Latin grandis - large, great) - meaning to increase or enlarge.
  • Suffix: -ize (Greek -izein) - verb-forming suffix, indicating to cause to be or to act in a specified way.
  • Suffix: -ing (English) - progressive/gerundive suffix, forming a present participle or gerund.

4. Stress Identification:

The primary stress falls on the third syllable: ag-gran-di-zing. Secondary stress is present on the first syllable: self-ag-gran-di-zing.

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/ˌselfəˈɡrændaɪzɪŋ/

6. Edge Case Review:

The sequence "ag" can sometimes be considered a single onset, but in this case, the vowel following "ag" warrants a separate syllable. The "di" sequence is a common diphthong carrier, and the final "-izing" is a relatively standard suffix.

7. Grammatical Role:

"Self-aggrandizing" primarily functions as an adjective. As an adjective, the stress pattern remains consistent. It can also function as a present participle, but the syllabification and stress remain unchanged.

8. Definition & Semantics:

  • Definition: Excessively proud of oneself; boastful.
  • Grammatical Category: Adjective (can also function as a present participle)
  • Synonyms: conceited, arrogant, egotistical, pompous, vainglorious
  • Antonyms: humble, modest, unassuming
  • Examples:
    • "His self-aggrandizing behavior alienated his colleagues."
    • "She was accused of writing a self-aggrandizing memoir."

9. Phonological Comparison:

  • "understanding": un-der-stand-ing. Similar suffix "-ing", but simpler root structure. Stress on the second syllable.
  • "overlooking": o-ver-look-ing. Similar suffix "-ing", prefix "over-". Stress on the second syllable.
  • "magnifying": mag-ni-fy-ing. Similar suffix "-ing", but different root structure. Stress on the second syllable.

The key difference in "self-aggrandizing" is the compound structure (prefix + root + suffixes) and the resulting length, leading to multiple syllables and a shifted stress pattern. The presence of the prefix "self-" also contributes to the initial unstressed syllable.

Syllable Analysis Details:

  • self: /sɛlf/ - Open syllable, unstressed. Rule: Vowel followed by consonant(s).
  • ag: /æɡ/ - Closed syllable, unstressed. Rule: Vowel followed by consonant cluster.
  • gran: /ɡræn/ - Closed syllable, unstressed. Rule: Vowel preceded by consonant cluster and followed by consonant.
  • di: /daɪ/ - Diphthong syllable, stressed. Rule: Diphthong constitutes a syllable nucleus.
  • zing: /zɪŋ/ - Closed syllable, stressed. Rule: Vowel followed by consonant cluster.

Division Rules Applied:

  • Vowel-Consonant (VC): Syllables typically end in vowels.
  • Consonant Clusters: Consonant clusters are often maintained within a syllable.
  • Diphthongs: Diphthongs form a single syllable nucleus.
  • Morpheme Boundaries: Syllable division often respects morpheme boundaries.

Special Considerations:

The word's length and complex morphology require careful consideration of stress placement and syllable boundaries. The prefix "self-" is often unstressed.

Analysis generated by gemma3:27b on 6/8/2025

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What is hyphenation

Hyphenation is the process of dividing words across lines in print or on websites. It involves inserting hyphens (-) where a word breaks to continue on the next line.

Proper hyphenation improves readability by reducing the unevenness of word spacing and unnecessary large gaps. It also helps avoid confusion that may occur when part of a word carries over. Ideal hyphenation should break words according to pronunciation and syllables. Most word processors and publishing apps have automated tools to handle hyphenation effectively based on language rules and dictionaries. Though subtle, proper hyphenation improves overall typography and reading comfort.