devious

Syllables:
dev·ious
2 syllables
devious in syllables

About "devious"

Syllables
2
Letters
7
Language
EN

How to Split "devious" into Syllables

The word devious is divided into 2 syllables: dev·ious. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • dev — 1st syllable
  • ious — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of devious:

  • IPA: /ˈdiː.vi.əs/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. Cunning or deceiving, not straightforward or honest, not frank.

📚 Word Origin & History

1590s, "out of the common or direct way," from Latin devius (“out of the way, remote, off the main road”), from de via, from de (“off”) (see de-) + via (“way, road”). Compare deviate. Originally in the Latin literal sense; the figurative sense of "deceitful" is first recorded 1630s. Related to deviously, deviousness. Figurative senses of the Latin word were "retired, sequestered, wandering in the byways, foolish, inconsistent."

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
devious 2 dev·ious
dybbuk 2 dyb-buk
Debs 1 debs
debauch 2 de-bauch
device 3 de-vi-ce

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to devious:

Devi, devil, Devin, Devon, device, devise, devoid, devote.

Frequently Asked Questions About "devious"

How many syllables does "devious" have?

devious has 2 syllables: dev·ious. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "devious"?

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

How do you pronounce "devious"?

devious is pronounced as /ˈdiː.vi.əs/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: dev·ious.

Is "devious" easy to spell?

Breaking devious into syllables helps with spelling: dev·ious. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "devious" 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.