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Hyphenation ofself-assuredness

Syllable Division & Pronunciation

Syllable Division:

self-as-sured-ness

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

/ˌsɛlf.əˈʃʊrd.nəs/

Stress Pattern:(which syllables are emphasized when speaking)

0010

Primary stress falls on the third syllable ('sured'). The first two syllables ('self' and 'as') are unstressed, and the final syllable ('ness') is also unstressed.

Detailed Syllable Breakdown

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

self/sɛlf/

Open syllable, unstressed, initial syllable.

as/æz/

Open syllable, unstressed, transitional syllable.

sured/ˈʃʊrd/

Closed syllable, stressed, containing a diphthong.

ness/nəs/

Open syllable, unstressed, final syllable.

Morphemic Breakdown

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

self(prefix)
+
assure(root)
+
edness(suffix)

Prefix: self

Old English reflexive pronoun, functions as a prefix.

Root: assure

Old French/Latin origin, meaning 'to give confidence'.

Suffix: edness

Combination of -ed (past participle) and -ness (noun-forming suffix).

Meanings & Definitions
noun(grammatical role in sentences)

The quality of being confident and certain of one's abilities or opinions.

Examples:

"Her self-assuredness was evident in her calm demeanor."

"He spoke with a remarkable degree of self-assuredness."

Similar Words Comparison

Words with similar syllable patterns or pronunciation features

happinesshap-pi-ness

Similar suffix structure (-ness), but different root and stress pattern.

sadnesssad-ness

Simple structure with the -ness suffix, stress on the first syllable.

kindnesskind-ness

Similar structure to 'sadness', stress on the first syllable.

Syllable Division Rules

The linguistic principles used to determine where syllables begin and end

Onset-Rime

Syllables are divided based on the consonant and vowel boundaries, particularly at the beginning of the word ('self').

Vowel-Consonant

Syllables are divided after a vowel and before a consonant ('as').

Consonant-Vowel

Syllables are divided after a consonant and before a vowel ('sured', 'ness').

Stress Placement

Stress is determined by the length and complexity of the root word and the presence of the prefix.

Special Considerations

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

Vowel reduction in the 'self-' prefix (e.g., /səf/).

Regional variations in the pronunciation of the 'ure' diphthong.

Analysis Summary

Summary:

The word 'self-assuredness' is divided into four syllables: self-as-sured-ness. The primary stress falls on the third syllable ('sured'). It's a noun formed from the prefix 'self-', the root 'assure', and the suffix '-edness'. Syllabification follows standard English rules of dividing syllables based on vowel and consonant boundaries, with consideration for stress placement and potential vowel reduction.

Detailed Analysis:

Linguistic Analysis of "self-assuredness" (US English)

1. Pronunciation Examination:

The word "self-assuredness" is a complex noun, commonly pronounced with moderate stress on the third syllable ("sured"). The initial "self-" often reduces to /sɛlf/ or even /səf/ in rapid speech.

2. Syllable Division:

Following US English syllabification rules, the word divides as follows: self-as-sured-ness.

3. Morphemic Analysis:

  • Prefix: self- (Old English) - reflexive pronoun functioning as a prefix indicating the subject is also the object of the action.
  • Root: assure (Old French aseurer from Latin ad- + securus meaning "safe") - to give confidence; to state with confidence.
  • Suffix: -ed (Old English) - past tense/participle marker, here functioning as part of the adjectival form.
  • Suffix: -ness (Old English) - noun-forming suffix denoting a state or quality.

4. Stress Identification:

The primary stress falls on the third syllable: self-a-sured-ness.

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/ˌsɛlf.əˈʃʊrd.nəs/ or /ˌsəf.əˈʃʊrd.nəs/ (with reduced "self")

6. Syllable Breakdown & Rule Application:

  • self-: /sɛlf/ or /səf/ - Syllable division occurs before a consonant cluster (/ʃ/) and after a vowel. Rule: Onset-Rime division. Potential exception: vowel reduction in unstressed syllables.
  • as-: /æz/ - Syllable division occurs after a short vowel and before a consonant. Rule: Vowel-Consonant division.
  • sured-: /ˈʃʊrd/ - Syllable division occurs after a consonant cluster (/s/) and before a vowel. Rule: Consonant-Vowel division.
  • ness-: /nəs/ - Syllable division occurs after a consonant and before a vowel. Rule: Consonant-Vowel division.

7. Edge Case Review:

The reduction of "self-" to /səf/ is a common phonetic phenomenon in unstressed syllables. The "ure" diphthong in "sured" can also exhibit slight regional variations.

8. Grammatical Role:

"Self-assuredness" primarily functions as a noun. Syllabification and stress remain consistent regardless of grammatical context.

9. Definition & Semantics:

  • Definition: The quality of being confident and certain of one's abilities or opinions.
  • Grammatical Category: Noun
  • Synonyms: confidence, poise, self-possession, assurance
  • Antonyms: insecurity, doubt, timidity, apprehension
  • Examples: "Her self-assuredness was evident in her calm demeanor." "He spoke with a remarkable degree of self-assuredness."

10. Phonological Comparison:

  • happiness: hap-pi-ness - Similar structure with a suffix. Stress on the second syllable.
  • sadness: sad-ness - Simpler structure, stress on the first syllable.
  • kindness: kind-ness - Similar structure, stress on the first syllable.

The difference in stress placement in "self-assuredness" is due to the length and complexity of the root word ("assure") and the presence of the prefix "self-". The longer root attracts stress.

11. Division Rules:

  • Onset-Rime: Dividing syllables based on the consonant and vowel boundaries.
  • Vowel-Consonant: Dividing syllables after a vowel and before a consonant.
  • Consonant-Vowel: Dividing syllables after a consonant and before a vowel.
  • Stress Placement: Primary stress typically falls on the penultimate syllable in words ending in -ness, unless overridden by the length or complexity of the root.

12. Special Considerations:

The reduction of the "self-" prefix is a common phonetic variation. Regional accents may influence the pronunciation of the "ure" diphthong.

Analysis generated by gemma3:27b on 6/11/2025

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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.