illegal

Syllables:
il·leg·al
3 syllables
illegal in syllables

About "illegal"

Syllables
3
Letters
7
Language
EN

How to Split "illegal" into Syllables

The word illegal is divided into 3 syllables: il·leg·al. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • il — 1st syllable
  • leg — 2nd syllable
  • al — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of illegal:

  • IPA: /ɪˈliːɡəl/

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📖 Definitions

  1. illegal (comparative more illegal, superlative most illegal)
  2. Contrary to, forbidden, or not authorized by law, especially criminal law.

📚 Word Origin & History

Borrowed from French illégal, from Medieval Latin illegalis, from Latin legalis, by surface analysis, il- +‎ legal. In senses relating to immigration, via clipping of illegal alien or illegal immigrant. Borrowed from Medieval Latin illēgālis, from Latin lēgālis corresponding to i- +‎ llegal. Borrowed from Medieval Latin illegalis. Borrowed from Medieval Latin illegalis. Borrowed from French illégal, from Medieval Latin illēgālis.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down illegal 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

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to illegal:

Ill, illus, illicit, Illinois, illiquid, illumine, illusion, illusive.

Frequently Asked Questions About "illegal"

How many syllables does "illegal" have?

illegal has 3 syllables: il·leg·al. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "illegal"?

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

How do you pronounce "illegal"?

illegal is pronounced as /ɪˈliːɡəl/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: il·leg·al.

Is "illegal" easy to spell?

Breaking illegal into syllables helps with spelling: il·leg·al. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "illegal" 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.