courtesy

Syllables:
cour·te·sy
3 syllables
courtesy in syllables

About "courtesy"

Syllables
3
Letters
8
Language
EN

How to Split "courtesy" into Syllables

The word courtesy is divided into 3 syllables: cour·te·sy. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • cour — 1st syllable
  • te — 2nd syllable
  • sy — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of courtesy:

  • IPA: /ˈkɜːtəsi/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. courtesy (countable and uncountable, plural courtesies)
  2. courtesy (third-person singular simple present courtesies, present participle courtesying, simple past and past participle courtesied)

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English curteisie, curtesie, from Anglo-Norman curtesie, from Old French curteisie, cortoisie. Equivalent to courteous +‎ -y (abstract noun suffix).

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
courtesy 3 cour·te·sy
Curtis 2 cur-tis
criticize 4 cri-ti-ci-ze
Cortes 2 cor-tes
cortices 3 cor-ti-ces

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to courtesy:

coup, couch, cough, could, count, coupe, court, cougar.

Frequently Asked Questions About "courtesy"

How many syllables does "courtesy" have?

courtesy has 3 syllables: cour·te·sy. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "courtesy"?

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

How do you pronounce "courtesy"?

courtesy is pronounced as /ˈkɜːtəsi/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: cour·te·sy.

Is "courtesy" easy to spell?

Breaking courtesy into syllables helps with spelling: cour·te·sy. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "courtesy" 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.