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Hyphenation ofshilly-shallyingly

Syllable Division & Pronunciation

Syllable Division:

shil-ly-shal-ly-ing-ly

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

/ˌʃɪli ˈʃæliɪŋli/

Stress Pattern:(which syllables are emphasized when speaking)

010101

Primary stress falls on the second syllable of the reduplicated root ('shal').

Detailed Syllable Breakdown

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

shil/ʃɪl/

Closed syllable with /ʃ/ onset and /ɪl/ rime.

ly/li/

Open syllable with /l/ onset and /i/ rime.

shal/ʃæl/

Open syllable with /ʃ/ onset and /æl/ rime.

ly/li/

Open syllable with /l/ onset and /i/ rime.

ing/ɪŋ/

Closed syllable with /ɪ/ onset and /ŋ/ rime.

ly/li/

Open syllable with /l/ onset and /i/ rime.

Morphemic Breakdown

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

(prefix)
+
shally(root)
+
ingly(suffix)

Prefix:

None

Root: shally

Of uncertain origin, possibly imitative.

Suffix: ingly

English adverbial suffix (-ly) and progressive/gerundive suffix (-ing). Reduplication of 'shally' intensifies meaning.

Meanings & Definitions
adverb(grammatical role in sentences)

In a hesitant, indecisive, or evasive manner.

Examples:

"He answered the question shilly-shallyingly, avoiding a direct response."

Similar Words Comparison

Words with similar syllable patterns or pronunciation features

happilyhap-pi-ly

Shares the '-ly' suffix.

slowlyslow-ly

Shares the '-ly' suffix.

runninglyrun-ning-ly

Shares the '-ingly' suffix and similar structure.

Syllable Division Rules

The linguistic principles used to determine where syllables begin and end

Onset-Rime Principle

Syllables are divided into an onset (initial consonant(s)) and a rime (vowel and any following consonants).

Consonant Cluster Syllabification

Consonant clusters are analyzed to determine which consonants belong to the onset and which to the rime.

Vowel-Final Syllables

Syllables ending in a vowel are generally open syllables.

Nasal Codas

Nasal consonants can form codas (final consonants) in English syllables.

Special Considerations

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

The reduplicated 'shally' sequence requires careful consideration, but the consistent vowel sounds support the chosen syllabification.

Analysis Summary

Summary:

The word 'shilly-shallyingly' is an adverb formed from the reduplicated root 'shally' and the suffixes '-ly' and '-ing'. It is divided into six syllables: shil-ly-shal-ly-ing-ly, with primary stress on the second syllable of the root. The syllabification follows standard English onset-rime principles.

Detailed Analysis:

Linguistic Analysis of "shilly-shallyingly"

1. Pronunciation Examination:

The word "shilly-shallyingly" is pronounced /ˌʃɪli ˈʃæliɪŋli/ (General American English). It exhibits a complex structure due to its reduplicated root and multiple suffixes.

2. Syllable Division:

Following English syllabification rules, the word divides as: shil-ly-shal-ly-ing-ly.

3. Morphemic Analysis:

  • Prefix: None
  • Root: shally - of uncertain origin, possibly imitative of hesitant speech. Function: base for the reduplication.
  • Suffixes:
    • -ly (English) - adverbial suffix, forming adverbs from adjectives or other adverbs.
    • -ing (English) - progressive/gerundive suffix, also used to form adjectives.
    • Reduplication of shally - intensifies the meaning, suggesting repeated or prolonged hesitation.

4. Stress Identification:

The primary stress falls on the second syllable of the reduplicated root: /ˌʃɪli ˈʃæliɪŋli/.

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/ˌʃɪli ˈʃæliɪŋli/

6. Edge Case Review:

The reduplication of "shally" presents a slight edge case. While reduplication is not uncommon, it can sometimes lead to ambiguity in syllabification. However, the consistent vowel sounds within each "shally" unit support the division chosen.

7. Grammatical Role:

"Shilly-shallyingly" functions exclusively as an adverb. The "-ingly" suffix definitively marks it as an adverb. Syllabification and stress remain consistent regardless of its function (as it only has one function).

8. Definition & Semantics:

  • Definition: In a hesitant, indecisive, or evasive manner.
  • Grammatical Category: Adverb
  • Synonyms: hesitantly, indecisively, evasively, vacillatingly
  • Antonyms: decisively, resolutely, firmly
  • Examples: "He answered the question shilly-shallyingly, avoiding a direct response."

9. Phonological Comparison:

  • Happily: hap-pi-ly. Similar suffix "-ly". Stress on the first syllable. Difference: "shilly-shallyingly" has a more complex root structure and a secondary stress.
  • Slowly: slow-ly. Similar suffix "-ly". Stress on the first syllable. Difference: "shilly-shallyingly" has a reduplicated root and a more complex vowel structure.
  • Runningly: run-ning-ly. Similar suffix "-ingly". Stress on the first syllable. Difference: "shilly-shallyingly" has a reduplicated root and a different vowel quality.

Detailed Syllable Analysis:

Syllable IPA Transcription Description Rule Applied Exceptions/Special Cases
shil /ʃɪl/ Closed syllable, onset /ʃ/, rime /ɪl/ Consonant Cluster Syllabification (CC onset)
ly /li/ Open syllable, onset /l/, rime /i/ Vowel-final syllable
shal /ʃæl/ Open syllable, onset /ʃ/, rime /æl/ Vowel-final syllable
ly /li/ Open syllable, onset /l/, rime /i/ Vowel-final syllable
ing /ɪŋ/ Closed syllable, onset /ɪ/, rime /ŋ/ Nasal Codas
ly /li/ Open syllable, onset /l/, rime /i/ Vowel-final syllable

Syllable Division Rules Applied:

  1. Onset-Rime Principle: Syllables are divided into an onset (initial consonant(s)) and a rime (vowel and any following consonants).
  2. Consonant Cluster Syllabification: Consonant clusters are analyzed to determine which consonants belong to the onset and which to the rime.
  3. Vowel-Final Syllables: Syllables ending in a vowel are generally open syllables.
  4. Nasal Codas: Nasal consonants can form codas (final consonants) in English syllables.

Special Considerations:

The reduplicated "shally" sequence requires careful consideration. The consistent vowel sounds and the natural pause between the two units support the chosen syllabification.

Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations:

Some speakers might slightly reduce the vowel in the unstressed syllables, but this does not significantly alter the syllabification.

Analysis generated by gemma3:27b on 6/7/2025

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