sesquicentennially
Syllables
se-squi-cen-ten-ni-al-ly
Pronunciation
/ˈsɛskwiˌsɛntəˈnɪəli/
Stress
1001001
Morphemes
sesqui- + cent- + -ennial
Sesquicentennially is divided into seven syllables: se-squi-cen-ten-ni-al-ly. It's derived from Latin roots and features a primary stress on the antepenultimate syllable. The 'squi' sequence is a notable exception to typical English syllable structure.
Definitions
- 1
In a manner relating to a period of one and a half centuries (150 years).
“The town was decorated sesquicentennially to celebrate its 150th anniversary.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the antepenultimate syllable (/ˈnɪəli/), with secondary stress on the first syllable (/se/).
Syllables
se — Open syllable, vowel sound.. squi — Closed syllable, consonant cluster.. cen — Open syllable, vowel sound.. ten — Open syllable, vowel sound.. ni — Open syllable, vowel sound.. al — Closed syllable, schwa sound.. ly — Closed syllable, vowel sound.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Vowel-Following Consonant Rule
Syllables are often divided after a vowel, especially if followed by a consonant.
Consonant Cluster Rule
Consonant clusters are often maintained within a syllable.
Historical Exception Rule
Some words retain syllable divisions based on their etymological origins.
- The 'squi' sequence is an uncommon syllable structure in English, accepted due to the word's historical origin.
- The word's length and complex morphology make it prone to mis-syllabification.
Nearby Words
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