cardinal

Syllables:
car·din·al
3 syllables
cardinal in syllables

About "cardinal"

Syllables
3
Letters
8
Language
EN

How to Split "cardinal" into Syllables

The word cardinal is divided into 3 syllables: car·din·al. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • car — 1st syllable
  • din — 2nd syllable
  • al — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of cardinal:

  • IPA: /ˈkɑː.dɪ.nəl/

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📖 Definitions

  1. cardinal (comparative more cardinal, superlative most cardinal)
  2. Of fundamental importance; crucial, pivotal.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle French cardinal, from Latin cardinālis (“pertaining to a hinge, hence applied to that on which something turns or depends, important, principal, chief”), from cardin-, cardō (“hinge”) + -ālis, adjectival suffix. Learned borrowing from Latin cardinālis. Learned borrowing from Latin cardinālis. Doublet of cardeal, which was inherited. Borrowed from French cardinal, Latin cardinālis. Borrowed from Latin cardinālis. From English cardinal, from Middle French cardinal (“c...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down cardinal 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 cardinal:

car, Cara, card, CARE, Carl, carp, Carr, cars.

Frequently Asked Questions About "cardinal"

How many syllables does "cardinal" have?

cardinal has 3 syllables: car·din·al. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "cardinal"?

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

How do you pronounce "cardinal"?

cardinal is pronounced as /ˈkɑː.dɪ.nəl/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: car·din·al.

Is "cardinal" easy to spell?

Breaking cardinal into syllables helps with spelling: car·din·al. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "cardinal" 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.