undersecretaries
Syllables
un-der-se-cre-tar-ies
Pronunciation
/ˌʌndərˌsɛkrəˈtɛriz/
Stress
000011
Morphemes
under- + secret + -ary
The word 'undersecretaries' is divided into six syllables: un-der-se-cre-tar-ies. The primary stress falls on the third-to-last syllable. It's a noun composed of the prefix 'under-', the root 'secret', and the suffixes '-ary' and '-es'. Syllable division follows standard English rules based on vowel-consonant patterns.
Definitions
- 1
A high-ranking government official assisting a secretary of state or other cabinet member.
“The undersecretaries testified before Congress.”
“She was appointed as one of the new undersecretaries.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the third-to-last syllable ('tar'). The stress pattern is typical for words ending in -ary/-ies.
Syllables
un — Open syllable, unstressed.. der — Open syllable, unstressed.. se — Open syllable, unstressed.. cre — Open syllable, unstressed.. tar — Open syllable, unstressed.. ies — Closed syllable, stressed.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Vowel-Consonant (VC)
Syllables often divide after a vowel followed by a consonant.
Consonant-Vowel-Consonant (CVC)
Syllables often divide between consonants in a CVC pattern.
Consonant Blend-Vowel-Consonant (CVCC)
Syllables often divide after a consonant blend.
- The silent 'e' in 'ies' affects pronunciation but not syllabification.
- Multiple suffixes require careful consideration.
Nearby Words
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