Hyphenation ofsemi-circulaire

Analysis of "semi-circulaire"

1. Pronunciation: The word "semi-circulaire" is pronounced /semi.siʁ.ky.lɛʁ/ in standard French.

2. Syllable Division: The syllable division, adhering to the rule of maximizing onsets and avoiding stranded consonants, is as follows (using only original letters):

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• Prefix: semi- (Latin, meaning "half") - functions as a prefix indicating partiality.
• Root: circul- (Latin circulus, diminutive of circus meaning "circle") - denotes the concept of a circle.
• Suffix: -aire (Latin -arius, forming adjectives) - creates an adjective from the root.

4. Stress Identification: The primary stress falls on the penultimate syllable: /siʁ.ky.lɛʁ/.

5. Phonetic Transcription: /semi.siʁ.ky.lɛʁ/

6. Edge Case Review: French syllable structure generally avoids consonant clusters at the end of syllables. However, /ʁ/ (the French 'r') can often function as a syllable-final consonant.

7. Grammatical Role: "Semi-circulaire" functions primarily as an adjective. The syllabification and stress remain consistent regardless of its use in a sentence.

8. Definition & Semantics:

• Definition: Having the form of a half-circle; partially circular.
• Translation: Semi-circular (English)
• Grammatical Category: Adjective
• Synonyms: en forme de demi-cercle
• Antonyms: circulaire (circular)
• Examples:
  • "Une fenêtre semi-circulaire." (A semi-circular window.)
  • "Un arc semi-circulaire." (A semi-circular arch.)

9. Phonological Comparison:

• "automobile": au-to-mo-bile. Similar syllable structure with consonant clusters. Stress on the penultimate syllable.
• "particulièrement": par-ti-cu-liè-re-ment. More complex, but shares the tendency to stress the penultimate syllable.
• "universitaire": u-ni-ver-si-taire. Similar suffix -aire and stress pattern.

Detailed Syllable Breakdown:

Division Rules Applied:

1. Maximize Onsets: Prioritize creating syllables with consonant-vowel (CV) structures.
2. Avoid Stranded Consonants: Avoid leaving consonants without a following vowel.
3. Consonant Clusters: Maintain consonant clusters within a single syllable when possible.

Special Considerations:

• The French 'r' (/ʁ/) can function as a syllable-final consonant, which influences syllable division.
• Liaison (linking of final consonants to initial vowels) doesn't affect the syllabification itself, but impacts pronunciation.

Alternative Pronunciations/Regional Variations:

Regional variations in the pronunciation of /ʁ/ (uvular vs. alveolar) exist, but do not significantly alter the syllable division.

Short Analysis:

"Semi-circulaire" is a French adjective meaning "semi-circular." It is divided into seven syllables: se-mi-si-cir-cu-lai-re, with stress on the penultimate syllable. The word is derived from Latin roots and follows standard French syllabification rules, prioritizing CV structures and avoiding stranded consonants. The French 'r' can function as a syllable-final consonant.