foreign

How to Split "foreign" into Syllables

The word foreign is divided into 2 syllables: fo·reign. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

• fo — 1st syllable
• reign — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of foreign:

• IPA: /ˈfɒɹɪn/

📖 Definitions

1. foreign (comparative more foreign, superlative most foreign)
2. Located outside a country or place, especially one's own.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English foreyn, forein, from Old French forain, from Vulgar Latin *forānus (“outsider, outlander”), from Latin forās (“outside, outdoors”) or forīs (“outside, outdoors”). Displaced native Old English elþēodiġ (“foreign”) and now-dialectal English fremd, from Old English fremde (“strange, foreign”). The silent -g- added perhaps by analogy with reign (compare also sovereign which was similarly altered).

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word	Syllables	Division
foreign	2	fo·reign
foregone	4	fo-re-go-ne
Frisian	2	fri-sian
Farrakhan	3	far-rak-han
Fresno	2	fre-sno

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to foreign:

for, fora, ford, fore, fork, form, fort, foray.