defense

Syllables:
de·fen·se
3 syllables
defense in syllables

About "defense"

Syllables
3
Letters
7
Language
EN

How to Split "defense" into Syllables

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

📝 Syllable Breakdown

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

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of defense:

  • IPA: /dɪˈfɛns/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. The action of defending or protecting from attack, danger, or injury.
  2. Anything employed to oppose attack(s).

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English defens, defense, from Old French defens, defense, from Late Latin dēfēnsa (“protection”). Displaced native Old English bewering. The verb is from the noun. From Middle English defencen, defensen, from Old French defenser or its etymon, Latin dēfēnsō.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
defense 3 de·fen·se
deepening 3 dee-pen-ing
databank 3 da-ta-bank
defiance 3 de-fian-ce
defaming 3 de-fam-ing

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to defense:

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

Frequently Asked Questions About "defense"

How many syllables does "defense" have?

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

Where is the stress in "defense"?

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

How do you pronounce "defense"?

defense is pronounced as /dɪˈfɛns/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: de·fen·se.

Is "defense" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "defense" 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.