grotesque

Syllables:
gro·tes·que
3 syllables
grotesque in syllables

About "grotesque"

Syllables
3
Letters
9
Language
EN

How to Split "grotesque" into Syllables

The word grotesque is divided into 3 syllables: gro·tes·que. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • gro — 1st syllable
  • tes — 2nd syllable
  • que — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of grotesque:

  • IPA: /ɡɹəʊˈtɛsk/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. grotesque (comparative grotesquer or more grotesque, superlative grotesquest or most grotesque)
  2. Distorted and unnatural in shape or size; abnormal, especially in a hideous way.

📚 Word Origin & History

Borrowed from Middle French grotesque, from Italian grottesco, from grotta (“cave”) +‎ -esco (relational suffix). Compare French grotesque English grotto. Inherited from Middle French grotesque (“farcical”), from Italian grottesco, from grotta (“cave”) +‎ -esco (relational suffix). By surface analysis, grotte +‎ -esque. Borrowed from Italian grottesco.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
grotesque 3 gro·tes·que
gigahertz 3 gi-ga-hertz
gratuitous 3 gra-tuit-ous
guardhouse 2 guardhou-se
Gretzky 1 gretzky

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to grotesque:

grog, grok, grow, groan, groat, groin, groom, grope.

Frequently Asked Questions About "grotesque"

How many syllables does "grotesque" have?

grotesque has 3 syllables: gro·tes·que. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "grotesque"?

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

How do you pronounce "grotesque"?

grotesque is pronounced as /ɡɹəʊˈtɛsk/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: gro·tes·que.

Is "grotesque" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "grotesque" 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.