extinguish

Syllables:
ex·ti·nguish
3 syllables
extinguish in syllables

About "extinguish"

Syllables
3
Letters
10
Language
EN

How to Split "extinguish" into Syllables

The word extinguish is divided into 3 syllables: ex·ti·nguish. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • ex — 1st syllable
  • ti — 2nd syllable
  • nguish — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of extinguish:

  • IPA: /ɪkˈstɪŋ.ɡwɪʃ/

Listen to Pronunciation

Note: Audio requires JavaScript enabled

📖 Definitions

  1. extinguish (third-person singular simple present extinguishes, present participle extinguishing, simple past and past participle extinguished)
  2. To stop (fire, etc.) from burning; also, to stop (light, etc.) from shining; to put out, to quench.

📚 Word Origin & History

Borrowed from Latin extinguo (“to put out (what is burning), quench, extinguish, deprive of life, destroy, abolish”), from ex (“out”) + stinguere (“to put out, quench, extinguish”). Doublet of extinct.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
extinguish 3 ex·ti·nguish
exhausting 3 ex-haust-ing
exciting 3 ex-cit-ing
exceeding 3 ex-ceed-ing
existence 4 e-xi-sten-ce

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to extinguish:

ext, extol, extra, extant, extend, extent, extoll, extort.

Frequently Asked Questions About "extinguish"

How many syllables does "extinguish" have?

extinguish has 3 syllables: ex·ti·nguish. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "extinguish"?

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

How do you pronounce "extinguish"?

extinguish is pronounced as /ɪkˈstɪŋ.ɡwɪʃ/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: ex·ti·nguish.

Is "extinguish" easy to spell?

Breaking extinguish into syllables helps with spelling: ex·ti·nguish. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "extinguish" 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.