defendant

Syllables:
de·fen·dant
3 syllables
defendant in syllables

About "defendant"

Syllables
3
Letters
9
Language
EN

How to Split "defendant" into Syllables

The word defendant is divided into 3 syllables: de·fen·dant. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • de — 1st syllable
  • fen — 2nd syllable
  • dant — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of defendant:

  • IPA: /dɪˈfɛnd.ənt/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. Serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive, defending.
  2. In Canadian and Philippine law, defendant is generally used only for a party being sued civilly; a person being tried criminally is the accused.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English defendaunt (“defending; defending in a suit”), borrowed from Old French defendant, present participle of defendre, from Latin dēfendere. From Middle English defendaunt (“defendant in a suit; defender”), borrowed from Old French defendant, nominalisation of defendant; see above.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down defendant 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 defendant:

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

Frequently Asked Questions About "defendant"

How many syllables does "defendant" have?

defendant has 3 syllables: de·fen·dant. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "defendant"?

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

How do you pronounce "defendant"?

defendant is pronounced as /dɪˈfɛnd.ənt/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: de·fen·dant.

Is "defendant" easy to spell?

Breaking defendant into syllables helps with spelling: de·fen·dant. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "defendant" 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.