enemy

Syllables:
e·ne·my
3 syllables
enemy in syllables

About "enemy"

Syllables
3
Letters
5
Language
EN

How to Split "enemy" into Syllables

The word enemy is divided into 3 syllables: e·ne·my. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • e — 1st syllable
  • ne — 2nd syllable
  • my — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of enemy:

  • IPA: /ˈɛn.ə.mi/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. Someone who is hostile to, feels hatred towards, opposes the interests of, or intends injury to someone else.
  2. A hostile force or nation; a fighting member of such a force or nation.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English enemy, enemye, enmy, borrowed from Old French enemi, anemi (Modern French ennemi), from Latin inimīcus, from in- (“not”) + amīcus (“friend”). Displaced Middle English fend (“enemy”), from Old English fēond (“enemy”), which survived into Modern English as fiend, but with a different meaning. Doublet of inimic. Borrowed from Old French enemi, anemi, from Latin inimīcus.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
enemy 3 e·ne·my
e'en 2 e-'en
emu 1 emu
en 1 en
enema 3 e-ne-ma

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to enemy:

ENE, enema, energy, energize, enervate, energetic, energizer, enervation.

Frequently Asked Questions About "enemy"

How many syllables does "enemy" have?

enemy has 3 syllables: e·ne·my. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "enemy"?

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

How do you pronounce "enemy"?

enemy is pronounced as /ˈɛn.ə.mi/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: e·ne·my.

Is "enemy" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "enemy" 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.