noun

syllabification

sih-lab-if-ih-KAY-shuhn

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Syllabification (noun) means the splitting of a word into its separate syllables. Example: “Dictionaries often show syllabification with small dots between the syllables.”

noun

The splitting of a word into its separate syllables.

"Dictionaries often show syllabification with small dots between the syllables."

"The teacher explained the syllabification of long medical terms."

"Correct syllabification helps readers work out how to pronounce an unfamiliar word."

How to use syllabification

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt simply means breaking a word down into its syllables.

When to use it

This is a fairly formal, technical word, mostly found in dictionaries, grammar guides and language teaching.

Memory tip

You will usually meet this word in the phrase "rules of syllabification" rather than on its own in everyday speech.

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Easily confused with

syllabication

Common pairings

rules of syllabification syllabification of a word correct syllabification

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Dictionaries often show _____ with small dots between the syllables.

Etymology

The word is first recorded in 1764. It was formed in English as a regular adaptation of a Latin-style term built from the Latin verb syllabifico, which itself comes from syllaba, meaning "syllable".

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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syllabication syllabization

Rhymes for syllabification

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection

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Frequently asked questions

What does syllabification mean?

It means dividing a word up into its individual syllables, the way a dictionary entry might show "dic-tion-ar-y".

Is syllabification the same as syllabication?

Yes, syllabication is an accepted alternative term for the same process of splitting a word into syllables.

Where does the word syllabification come from?

It goes back to the Latin word syllaba, meaning syllable, and was first used in English in the 18th century.

What is the meaning of syllabification?

"syllabification" (noun) means the splitting of a word into its separate syllables.