tressaillirent
The word 'tressaillirent' is a verb in the passé simple, third-person plural. It is divided into five syllables: tres-sa-il-li-rent. The stress falls on the final syllable. The syllabification follows French rules of onset maximization and avoiding stranded consonants. The word is derived from Latin roots related to movement and jumping.
Definitions
- 1
To startle, to flinch, to recoil.
They started, they flinched, they recoiled.
“Ils tressaillirent à l'annonce de la nouvelle.”
“Les chevaux tressaillirent devant l'obstacle.”
Stress pattern
Stress falls on the final syllable '-rent', though it is relatively weak in French. The stress pattern is generally trochaic (stress on the last syllable).
Syllables
tres — Open syllable, onset 'tʁ', nucleus 'ɛ'. sa — Open syllable, onset 's', nucleus 'a'. il — Closed syllable, onset 'i', nucleus 'l'. li — Open syllable, onset 'l', nucleus 'i'. rent — Closed syllable, onset 'ʁ', nucleus 'ɛ̃', nasal vowel
Word Parts
Similar Words
Onset Maximization
Syllables attempt to include an initial consonant if possible.
Avoid Stranded Consonants
Consonants are not left at the end of a syllable unless followed by a vowel.
Vowel Grouping
Vowel sequences are generally divided into separate syllables.
- The past historic tense is formal and less common in spoken French.
- The 'ill' sequence requires careful consideration to avoid stranded consonants.
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