defalcate

Syllables:
de·fal·ca·te
4 syllables
defalcate in syllables

About "defalcate"

Syllables
4
Letters
9
Language
EN

How to Split "defalcate" into Syllables

The word defalcate is divided into 4 syllables: de·fal·ca·te. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • de — 1st syllable
  • fal — 2nd syllable
  • ca — 3rd syllable
  • te — 4th syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of defalcate:

  • IPA: [ˈdɛfəɫkeɪt]

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. To cut off (a part of something).
  2. To deduct or take away (a part of income, money, rents, etc.).

📚 Word Origin & History

First attested in the 1530s, in the sense “to lop off”; borrowed from Medieval Latin dēfalcātus, perfect passive participle of dēfalcō (“to cut or lop off”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from Latin dē (“off”) + falx (“sickle, scythe, pruning hook”) + -ō (verb-forming suffix).

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
defalcate 4 de·fal·ca·te
duplicate 4 du-pli-ca-te
duplicity 4 du-pli-ci-ty
deflect 2 de-flect

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to defalcate:

def, deft, defy, defer, Defoe, defog, deface, defame.

Frequently Asked Questions About "defalcate"

How many syllables does "defalcate" have?

defalcate has 4 syllables: de·fal·ca·te. The word is divided into 4 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "defalcate"?

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

How do you pronounce "defalcate"?

defalcate is pronounced as [ˈdɛfəɫkeɪt] (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: de·fal·ca·te.

Is "defalcate" easy to spell?

Breaking defalcate into syllables helps with spelling: de·fal·ca·te. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "defalcate" 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.