Coward

Syllables:
co·ward
2 syllables
Coward in syllables

About "Coward"

Syllables
2
Letters
6
Language
EN

How to Split "Coward" into Syllables

The word Coward is divided into 2 syllables: co·ward. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • co — 1st syllable
  • ward — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of Coward:

  • IPA: /ˈkaʊəd/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. 1856: Gustave Flaubert, Madame Bovary, Part II Chapter IV, translated by Eleanor Marx-Aveling
  2. He tortured himself to find out how he could make his declaration to her, and always halting between the fear of displeasing her and the shame of being such a coward, he wept with discouragement and desire. Then he took energetic resolutions, wrote letters that he tore up, put it off to times that he again deferred.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English coward, from Old French coart, cuard ( > French couard), from coue (“tail”), coe + -ard (pejorative agent noun suffix); coue, coe is in turn from Latin cauda. The reference seems to be to an animal "turning tail", or having its tail between its legs, especially a dog. Compare the expression tail between one's legs. Displaced native Old English earg (surviving in northern dialect English argh). Unrelated to cower, which is of Germanic origin. Borrowed from Old French coart...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down Coward into syllables helps with:

  • Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
  • Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
  • Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
  • Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
  • Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare Coward with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word Syllables Division
Coward 2 co·ward
crowded 2 crowd-ed
carryout 2 car-ryout
crate 2 cra-te
credo 2 cre-do

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to Coward:

cow, cowl, cower, cowboy, Cowley, cowman, cowmen, cowpat.

Frequently Asked Questions About "Coward"

How many syllables does "Coward" have?

Coward has 2 syllables: co·ward. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "Coward"?

The stress is on the first syllable: co. This means you emphasize the "co" part when pronouncing Coward.

How do you pronounce "Coward"?

Coward is pronounced as /ˈkaʊəd/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: co·ward.

Is "Coward" easy to spell?

Breaking Coward into syllables helps with spelling: co·ward. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "Coward" into syllables?

Learning syllable division helps with correct pronunciation, improved spelling, better reading fluency, and is useful for poetry and lyric writing where syllable counting matters. It's especially helpful for language learners.