illegitimate

Syllables:
il·le·gi·ti·ma·te
6 syllables
illegitimate in syllables

About "illegitimate"

Syllables
6
Letters
12
Language
EN

How to Split "illegitimate" into Syllables

The word illegitimate is divided into 6 syllables: il·le·gi·ti·ma·te. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • il — 1st syllable
  • le — 2nd syllable
  • gi — 3rd syllable
  • ti — 4th syllable
  • ma — 5th syllable
  • te — 6th syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of illegitimate:

  • IPA: /ɪlɪˈd͡ʒɪtɪmət/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. illegitimate (comparative more illegitimate, superlative most illegitimate)
  2. Not conforming to known principles, or established or accepted rules or standards.

📚 Word Origin & History

First attested in 1536, from Latin illēgitimus, most likely an adapted borrowing of Middle French illegitime, equivalent to il- +‎ legitimate, see -ate (etymology 1, 2 and 3).

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down illegitimate 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 illegitimate:

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

Frequently Asked Questions About "illegitimate"

How many syllables does "illegitimate" have?

illegitimate has 6 syllables: il·le·gi·ti·ma·te. The word is divided into 6 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "illegitimate"?

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

How do you pronounce "illegitimate"?

illegitimate is pronounced as /ɪlɪˈd͡ʒɪtɪmət/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: il·le·gi·ti·ma·te.

Is "illegitimate" easy to spell?

Breaking illegitimate into syllables helps with spelling: il·le·gi·ti·ma·te. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "illegitimate" 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.