About "homeless"
How to Split "homeless" into Syllables
The word homeless is divided into 3 syllables: ho·me·less. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.
📝 Syllable Breakdown
- ho — 1st syllable
- me — 2nd syllable
- less — 3rd syllable
🔊 Pronunciation Guide
The phonetic transcription of homeless:
- IPA: /ˈhoʊmlɪs/
Listen to Pronunciation
Note: Audio requires JavaScript enabled
📖 Definitions
- Lacking a permanent place of residence.
- → Japanese: ホームレス (hōmuresu)
📚 Word Origin & History
From Middle English *homles, *hamles, from Old English hāmlēas (“homeless”), equivalent to home + -less. Cognate with Dutch heemloos, Danish hjemløs (“homeless”), Swedish hemlös (“homeless”). Compare also German heimatlos (“homeless”), Icelandic heimilislaus (“homeless”), West Frisian dakleas (“homeless”, literally “having no roof, roofless”). Unadapted borrowing from English homeless.
✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?
Understanding how to break down homeless 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 homeless with related words to understand syllable patterns:
| Word | Syllables | Division |
|---|---|---|
| homeless | 3 | ho·me·less |
| homilies | 3 | ho-mi-lies |
| homelike | 4 | ho-me-li-ke |
| Heimlich | 2 | heim-lich |
| homologue | 4 | ho-mo-lo-gue |
🔗 Related Words
Explore syllable divisions of words related to homeless: