Hyphenation ofcontre-exemples

Analysis of "contre-exemples"

1. Examination & Pronunciation:

The word "contre-exemples" is a compound noun in French, meaning "counterexamples." It consists of a prefix "contre-", a root "exemple", and a suffix "-s". Pronunciation involves liaison possibilities, and the final 's' is typically silent unless followed by a vowel.

2. Syllable Division:

Following French syllabification rules, which prioritize vowel sounds and avoid breaking consonant clusters unless they are complex, the division will be: con-tre-ex-em-ples.

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• Prefix: contre- (Old French, from Latin contra meaning "against"). Function: Indicates opposition or contrast.
• Root: exemple (Old French, from Latin exemplum meaning "example"). Function: The core meaning of the word.
• Suffix: -s (French). Function: Marks pluralization.

4. Stress Identification:

In French, stress generally falls on the last syllable of a word or phrase. However, in compound words like this, the stress tends to fall on the last pronounced syllable. Therefore, the stress is on "-ples".

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/kɔ̃tʁ‿ɛɡzɑ̃pl/

6. Edge Case Review:

The liaison between "contre" and "exemples" is common and affects the pronunciation, creating a smoother flow. The nasal vowels /ɔ̃/ and /ɑ̃/ are typical of French and require careful transcription.

7. Grammatical Role:

"Contre-exemples" functions primarily as a noun. The syllabification and stress remain consistent regardless of its grammatical role within a sentence.

8. Definition & Semantics:

• Definition: Instances that disprove or contradict a general statement or hypothesis.
• Translation: Counterexamples
• Grammatical Category: Noun (masculine plural)
• Synonyms: réfutations, preuves du contraire
• Antonyms: confirmations, preuves
• Examples:
  • "Ces contre-exemples montrent que la théorie est fausse." (These counterexamples show that the theory is false.)
  • "Il a trouvé plusieurs contre-exemples à son argument." (He found several counterexamples to his argument.)

9. Phonological Comparison:

• "contre-attaque" (counterattack): con-tre-at-ta-que. Similar prefix and syllabic structure.
• "contre-révolution" (counter-revolution): con-tre-ré-vo-lu-tion. Similar prefix, but with a more complex root.
• "exemples" (examples): ex-em-ples. Demonstrates the syllabification of the root word without the prefix.

The differences in syllable division arise from the varying lengths and complexities of the roots and the presence/absence of the prefix. The rule of avoiding consonant clusters is consistently applied.

10. Division Rules:

• Rule 1: Vowel-Based Division: Syllables are generally divided around vowel sounds. (Applied to: con-tre, ex-em, ples)
• Rule 2: Avoid Consonant Clusters: Avoid breaking up consonant clusters unless they are complex or involve a glide. (Applied to: "tr" in "contre" remains together)
• Rule 3: Liaison Consideration: Liaison can influence perceived syllable boundaries, but the written form dictates the division.

11. Special Considerations:

The hyphen in "contre-" is crucial for maintaining the prefix's integrity. The nasal vowels require accurate phonetic transcription. The potential for liaison doesn't alter the written syllable division.