against

Syllables:
a·gainst
2 syllables
against in syllables

About "against"

Syllables
2
Letters
7
Language
EN

How to Split "against" into Syllables

The word against is divided into 2 syllables: a·gainst. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • a — 1st syllable
  • gainst — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of against:

  • IPA: /əˈɡɛnst/

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📖 Definitions

  1. In physical opposition to; in collision with.
  2. In physical contact with, so as to abut or be supported by.

📚 Word Origin & History

Formed from Middle English ayenes, agenes, againes (“in opposition to”), a southern variant of agen, or directly from again, either way with adverbial genitive singular ending -es; the parasitic -t was added circa 1350, probably by confusion with the superlative ending -est. By surface analysis, again +‎ -st (excrescent ending). Cognate with Saterland Frisian juun (“against”), West Frisian tsjin (“against”), Dutch tegen (“against”), German Low German gegen (“against”), Germ...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down against 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

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to against:

agar, again, Agana, agape, agate, agave, Agassi, Agatha.

Frequently Asked Questions About "against"

How many syllables does "against" have?

against has 2 syllables: a·gainst. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "against"?

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

How do you pronounce "against"?

against is pronounced as /əˈɡɛnst/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: a·gainst.

Is "against" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "against" 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.