About "deadly"
How to Split "deadly" into Syllables
The word deadly is divided into 2 syllables: dead·ly. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.
📝 Syllable Breakdown
- dead — 1st syllable
- ly — 2nd syllable
🔊 Pronunciation Guide
The phonetic transcription of deadly:
- IPA: /ˈdɛdli/
Listen to Pronunciation
Note: Audio requires JavaScript enabled
📖 Definitions
- Aiming or willing to destroy; implacable; desperately hostile.
- Very accurate (of aiming with a bow, firearm, etc.).
📚 Word Origin & History
From Middle English dedly, dedlych, dedlich, from Old English dēadlīċ (adjective), from Proto-West Germanic *dauþalīk, from Proto-Germanic *dauþalīkaz (“deadly”, literally “deathly”). By surface analysis, dead + -ly. Cognate with Saterland Frisian dodelk (“deadly”), West Frisian deadlik (“deadly”), Dutch dodelijk (“deadly”), German tödlich (“deadly”), Swedish dödlig (“deadly, fatal, mortal”), Icelandic dauðlegur (“mortal”). The adverb is from Middle E...
✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?
Understanding how to break down deadly 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 deadly with related words to understand syllable patterns:
| Word | Syllables | Division |
|---|---|---|
| deadly | 2 | dead·ly |
| detail | 2 | de-tail |
| dally | 2 | dal-ly |
| dull | 1 | dull |
| Delilah | 3 | de-li-lah |
🔗 Related Words
Explore syllable divisions of words related to deadly: