unprepossessingly
Syllables
un-pre-pos-sess-ing-ly
Pronunciation
/ʌnprɪˈpɑːzɛsɪŋli/
Stress
000100
Morphemes
un- + possess + -pre-ing-ly
The word 'unprepossessingly' is divided into six syllables: un-pre-pos-sess-ing-ly. The primary stress falls on the fourth syllable ('sess'). It's an adverb formed from the root 'possess' with prefixes and suffixes, and its pronunciation is subject to vowel reduction in unstressed syllables.
Definitions
- 1
In a manner that does not create a favorable impression; without charm or attractiveness.
“She spoke unprepossessingly about her achievements.”
“He dressed unprepossessingly, hoping to blend in.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the fourth syllable ('sess'). The other syllables are unstressed.
Syllables
un — Open syllable, unstressed.. pre — Open syllable, unstressed.. pos — Open syllable, unstressed.. sess — Closed syllable, stressed.. ing — Closed syllable, unstressed.. ly — Open syllable, unstressed.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Vowel Rule
Each syllable generally contains one vowel sound.
Consonant Cluster Rule
Consonant clusters are often split, but attempts are made to keep affixes intact.
Affix Rule
Prefixes and suffixes are generally separated into their own syllables.
Stress-Timing Rule
English is a stress-timed language, meaning syllables are adjusted in duration to accommodate stressed syllables.
- Vowel reduction in unstressed syllables (/ə/ or /ɪ/).
- Potential reduction of the 's' in 'possess' in casual speech.
Nearby Words
17 wordsTrending in English (US)
Terms getting hyphenated by users right now.