holy

How to Split "holy" into Syllables

The word holy is divided into 2 syllables: ho·ly. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

• ho — 1st syllable
• ly — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of holy:

• IPA: /ˈhəʊli/

📖 Definitions

1. holy (comparative holier, superlative holiest)
2. Morally perfect or flawless, or nearly so.

📚 Word Origin & History

Inherited from Middle English holi, hali, from Old English hāliġ, hāleġ (“holy, consecrated, sacred, venerated, godly, saintly, ecclesiastical, pacific, tame”), from Proto-West Germanic *hailag, from Proto-Germanic *hailagaz (“holy, bringing health”), from Proto-Germanic *hailaz (“healthy, whole”), from Proto-Indo-European *kéh₂ilos (“healthy, whole”), equivalent to whole +‎ -y and a doublet of later wholly. Cognate with Scots haly (“holy”), West Frisian hillich (“...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word	Syllables	Division
holy	2	ho·ly
halo	2	ha-lo
Howell	2	ho-well
Hill	1	hill
Hoyle	2	hoy-le

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to holy:

hold, hole, hols, Holt, holey, Holly, Holst, Holden.