Hyphenation ofstrong-mindedness

Analysis of "strong-mindedness"

1. Pronunciation: The word "strong-mindedness" is pronounced as /strɔŋˈmaɪndɪdnəs/ in US English.

2. Syllable Division: The syllable division, adhering to the rule of maximizing onsets, is: strong-mind-ed-ness.

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• Prefix: strong- (Old English, adjective-forming element, intensifying)
• Root: mind (Old English, noun, faculty of thinking)
• Suffix: -ed (Old English, past tense/participle marker, here functioning as an adjectival suffix)
• Suffix: -ness (Old English, noun-forming suffix, denoting state or quality)

4. Stress Identification: The primary stress falls on the second syllable: /ˈmaɪndɪd/.

5. Phonetic Transcription: /strɔŋˈmaɪndɪdnəs/

6. Edge Case Review: The combination of "-ed" and "-ness" can sometimes lead to ambiguity, but the clear vowel separation and established pronunciation patterns resolve this.

7. Grammatical Role: The word functions solely as a noun. There are no shifts in syllabification or stress if it were to function as another part of speech.

8. Definition & Semantics:

• Definition: The quality or state of being determined and resolute in one's opinions or actions; firmness of purpose.
• Grammatical Category: Noun
• Synonyms: determination, resolve, firmness, tenacity, willfulness
• Antonyms: indecisiveness, weakness, pliability, vacillation
• Examples: "Her strong-mindedness allowed her to overcome many obstacles." "He admired her strong-mindedness and independence."

9. Phonological Comparison:

• kindness: kind-ness (similar structure, stress on the first syllable of the base word)
• weakness: weak-ness (similar structure, stress on the first syllable of the base word)
• thoughtfulness: thought-ful-ness (more complex, but shares the -ness suffix and similar vowel patterns)

The difference in stress placement in "strong-mindedness" compared to "kindness" and "weakness" is due to the compound nature of "strong-minded." The stress falls on the 'mind' portion, reflecting the core meaning.

Detailed Syllable Analysis:

• strong: /strɔŋ/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Consonant clusters are generally maintained within the syllable. Potential exception: Some speakers might reduce the vowel to /strʌŋ/.
• mind: /ˈmaɪnd/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Vowel followed by consonant(s). Primary stress. Potential exception: Regional variations in vowel pronunciation.
• ed: /ɪd/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Syllable formed by a vowel sound and a following consonant. Potential exception: The 'ed' suffix can sometimes be pronounced /t/ or /d/ depending on the preceding sound.
• ness: /nəs/ - Closed syllable. Rule: Consonant followed by vowel and consonant. Potential exception: The schwa sound /ə/ is common in unstressed syllables.

Division Rules Applied:

1. Maximize Onsets: Attempt to include as many consonants as possible in the onset of each syllable.
2. Vowel Nucleus: Each syllable must contain a vowel sound.
3. Consonant Clusters: Consonant clusters are generally maintained within the syllable unless they are easily separable based on pronunciation.

Special Considerations:

• The compound nature of "strong-minded" influences the stress pattern.
• The pronunciation of the "-ed" suffix can vary.
• Regional variations in vowel pronunciation may exist.

Short Analysis:

"Strong-mindedness" is a four-syllable noun, divided as strong-mind-ed-ness, with primary stress on the second syllable (/ˈmaɪndɪd/). It's formed from the prefix "strong-", the root "mind", and the suffixes "-ed" and "-ness". The syllabification follows standard English rules of maximizing onsets and ensuring each syllable has a vowel nucleus.