Hyphenation ofparasympathique

Analysis of "parasympathique"

1. Pronunciation: The word "parasympathique" is pronounced with a relatively even stress distribution, though the final syllable receives a slight emphasis.

2. Syllable Division: The syllable division, adhering to French syllabification rules, is as follows (using only the original letters): pa-ra-sym-pa-thi-que

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• Prefix: para- (Greek, meaning "beside," "beyond," or "against"). Morphological function: modifies the meaning of the root.
• Root: sym- (Greek, meaning "together," "with"). Morphological function: indicates association or connection.
• Suffix: -pathique (Greek, from pathos meaning "feeling," "suffering"). Morphological function: forms an adjective. This suffix is derived from the Greek pathos via Latin pathicus and French pathique.

4. Stress Identification: The primary stress falls on the penultimate syllable: thi.

5. Phonetic Transcription: /pa.ʁa.sɛ̃.pa.tik/

6. Syllable List with IPA and Rule Explanations:

• pa: /pa/ - Open syllable. Rule: Syllables are formed around vowel nuclei. No consonant clusters impede division.
• ra: /ʁa/ - Open syllable. Rule: Same as above.
• sym: /sɛ̃/ - Closed syllable. Rule: The nasal vowel /ɛ̃/ forms the nucleus.
• pa: /pa/ - Open syllable. Rule: Same as the first syllable.
• thi: /tik/ - Closed syllable. Rule: The consonant 'k' closes the syllable.
• que: /kə/ - Open syllable. Rule: The schwa /ə/ forms the nucleus.

7. Syllable Division Rules Applied:

• Vowel Nucleus Rule: Each syllable must contain a vowel sound (nucleus).
• Onset-Rime Rule: Syllables are structured as (Onset) - Rime, where the Rime consists of a nucleus and optional coda.
• Consonant Cluster Rule: Consonant clusters are generally broken up according to sonority, but in French, simpler clusters are often kept within a syllable.
• French Syllable Structure: French favors open syllables (ending in a vowel) but readily accepts closed syllables.

8. Exceptions/Special Cases:

• The nasal vowel /ɛ̃/ in "sym" requires consideration. Nasal vowels function as syllable nuclei.
• The final 'e' is silent but affects the pronunciation of the preceding consonant.

9. Grammatical Role: "Parasympathique" is primarily an adjective. Syllabification and stress remain consistent regardless of its grammatical function.

10. Regional Variations: Pronunciation of the 'r' sound can vary regionally (uvular vs. alveolar). This doesn't significantly alter syllable division.

11. Phonological Comparison:

• magnifique: mag-ni-fi-que - Similar syllable structure, with alternating open and closed syllables.
• fantastique: fan-tas-ti-que - Similar syllable structure, with a final closed syllable.
• romantique: ro-man-ti-que - Similar syllable structure, with a final closed syllable.

These words all follow the same general pattern of syllable division, based on vowel nuclei and consonant clusters. The presence of the schwa /ə/ in the final syllable is a common feature.

12. Definition & Semantics:

• Definition: Relating to the part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the "rest and digest" functions.
• Translation: Parasympathetic
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Synonyms: (in a broader sense) calmant, relaxant
• Antonyms: sympathique (can be used in a contrasting sense)
• Examples: "Le système nerveux parasympathique." (The parasympathetic nervous system.) "Une activité parasympathique." (Parasympathetic activity.)