surfacescratching
Syllables
sur-face-scratch-ing
Pronunciation
/ˈsɜːrfəs ˈskrætʃɪŋ/
Stress
1010
Morphemes
surface + scratching
The word 'surface-scratching' is divided into four syllables: sur-face-scratch-ing. The primary stress falls on 'face'. It's morphologically composed of the root 'surface' and the suffix 'scratching', functioning as an adjective describing a superficial analysis.
Definitions
- 1
Dealing with only the most superficial aspects of a subject; not thorough or in-depth.
“The report offered only a surface-scratching analysis of the problem.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the second syllable ('face').
Syllables
sur — Open syllable, vowel-initial.. face — Open syllable, vowel-initial.. scratch — Closed syllable, consonant cluster initial.. ing — Closed syllable, nasal ending.
Word Parts
Open Syllable Rule
A syllable ending in a vowel sound is considered open.
Closed Syllable Rule
A syllable ending in a consonant sound is considered closed.
Consonant Cluster Rule
Consonant clusters are generally maintained within a syllable unless a vowel intervenes.
- The 'r' in 'surface' could be debated, but US English pronunciation dictates it belongs to the following syllable.
Nearby Words
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