sergeantatarms
The word 'sergeant-at-arms' is a compound noun divided into four syllables: ser-geant-at-arms. Stress falls on the second syllable of 'sergeant' and on 'arms'. The morphemes are 'sergeant' (Latin origin), 'at' (Old English), and 'arms' (Old English). Syllabification follows vowel and compound word rules.
Definitions
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the second syllable of 'sergeant' and on 'arms'. The pattern is 0 (unstressed) - 1 (stressed) - 0 (unstressed) - 1 (stressed).
Syllables
ser — Open syllable, unstressed.. geant — Closed syllable, stressed.. at — Open syllable, unstressed.. arms — Closed syllable, stressed.
Similar Words
Vowel Rule
Syllables are often divided around vowel sounds.
Consonant Blend Rule
Consonant blends are generally kept together within a syllable.
Compound Word Rule
Compound words are divided between their constituent parts.
Stress-Timing Rule
English is a stress-timed language, syllables are adjusted to accommodate stressed syllables.
- Pronunciation of 'sergeant' can vary slightly, but syllable division remains consistent.
- The 'at' is often reduced in rapid speech, but this doesn't affect syllabification.
Nearby Words
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