idle

Syllables:
id·le
2 syllables
idle in syllables

About "idle"

Syllables
2
Letters
4
Language
EN

How to Split "idle" into Syllables

The word idle is divided into 2 syllables: id·le. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • id — 1st syllable
  • le — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of idle:

  • IPA: /ˈaɪd(ə)l/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. idle (comparative more idle, superlative most idle)
  2. Not being used appropriately; not occupied; (of time) with no, no important, or not much activity.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English idel, ydel, from Old English īdel, from Proto-West Germanic *īdal, from Proto-Germanic *īdalaz. Cognate with Dutch ijdel (“vain, meaningless”), ijl (“rareified, skinny”), iel (“thin, slender”); German Low German iedel (“vain, idle”); German eitel (“vain, conceited”); and possibly Old Norse illr ("bad"; > English ill). From Middle English idelen, from Old English īdlian, from Proto-West Germanic *īdalēn. Cognate with German eiteln (“to make empty, f...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
idle 2 id·le
idyll 2 i-dyll
Italy 2 ita-ly
idol 2 i-dol
ideal 2 ide-al

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to idle:

idler, idles, idle's, idling.

Frequently Asked Questions About "idle"

How many syllables does "idle" have?

idle has 2 syllables: id·le. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "idle"?

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

How do you pronounce "idle"?

idle is pronounced as /ˈaɪd(ə)l/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: id·le.

Is "idle" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "idle" 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.