clever

Syllables:
clev·er
2 syllables
clever in syllables

About "clever"

Syllables
2
Letters
6
Language
EN

How to Split "clever" into Syllables

The word clever is divided into 2 syllables: clev·er. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • clev — 1st syllable
  • er — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of clever:

  • IPA: /ˈklɛv.ə/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. clever (comparative cleverer or more clever, superlative cleverest or most clever)
  2. Nimble with hands or body; dexterous; skillful; adept.

📚 Word Origin & History

From East Anglian dialectal English cliver (“expert at seizing”), from Middle English cliver (“tenacious”). perhaps from Old English *clifer, clibbor (“clinging”); or perhaps from Dutch, Low German, or East/Saterland Frisian (compare kluftich (“clever, prudent”), probably derived from Proto-West Germanic *kleuban (“to cleave, split”)); or dialectal Norwegian klover (“ready, skillful”), itself borrowed from Middle Low German klever, related to kleven (“to stick”), from...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down clever 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 clever with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word Syllables Division
clever 2 clev·er
clavier 3 cla-vi-er
caliber 3 ca-lib-er
clipper 2 clipp-er
clobber 2 clobb-er

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to clever:

clef, Clem, Cleo, clew, clean, clear, cleat, cleft.

Frequently Asked Questions About "clever"

How many syllables does "clever" have?

clever has 2 syllables: clev·er. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "clever"?

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

How do you pronounce "clever"?

clever is pronounced as /ˈklɛv.ə/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: clev·er.

Is "clever" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "clever" 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.