define

Syllables:
de·fi·ne
3 syllables
define in syllables

About "define"

Syllables
3
Letters
6
Language
EN

How to Split "define" into Syllables

The word define is divided into 3 syllables: de·fi·ne. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • de — 1st syllable
  • fi — 2nd syllable
  • ne — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of define:

  • IPA: /dɪˈfaɪn/

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📖 Definitions

  1. To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly.
  2. To express the essential nature of something.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English definen, from Old French definer, variant of definir, from Latin dēfīniō (“limit, settle, define”), from dē + fīniō (“set a limit, bound, end”). From Ottoman Turkish دفینه (define), from Arabic دَفِينَة (dafīna), from دَفَنَ (dafana, “to bury”). Borrowed from French défini, past participle of définir.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
define 3 de·fi·ne
defame 3 de-fa-me
dubbin 2 dub-bin
Dvina 2 dvi-na
deafen 2 dea-fen

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to define:

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

Frequently Asked Questions About "define"

How many syllables does "define" have?

define has 3 syllables: de·fi·ne. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "define"?

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

How do you pronounce "define"?

define is pronounced as /dɪˈfaɪn/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: de·fi·ne.

Is "define" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "define" 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.