first

Syllables:
first
1 syllable
first in syllables

About "first"

Syllables
1
Letters
5
Language
EN

How to Split "first" into Syllables

The word first is divided into 1 syllables: first. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • first — 1st syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of first:

  • IPA: /fɜːst/

Listen to Pronunciation

Note: Audio requires JavaScript enabled

📖 Definitions

  1. first (no comparative, superlative firstmost)
  2. Preceding all others of a series or kind; the ordinal of one; earliest.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English first, furst, ferst, fyrst, from Old English fyrest, from Proto-West Germanic *furist, from Proto-Germanic *furistaz (“foremost, first”), superlative of Proto-Germanic *fur, *fura, *furi (“before”), from Proto-Indo-European *per-, *pero- (“forward, beyond, around”), equivalent to fore +‎ -est. Cognate with North Frisian foarste (“first”), Dutch voorste (“foremost, first”), German Fürst (“chief, prince”, literally “first (born)”), Swedish först ...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
first 1 first
frosty 2 fros-ty
farsighted 3 far-sight-ed
fabricate 4 fa-bri-ca-te
Forest 2 for-est

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to first:

fir, fire, firm, firer, firth, firing, firkin, firmer.

Frequently Asked Questions About "first"

How many syllables does "first" have?

first has 1 syllables: first. The word is divided into 1 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "first"?

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

How do you pronounce "first"?

first is pronounced as /fɜːst/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: first.

Is "first" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "first" 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.