jolly

Syllables:
jol·ly
2 syllables
jolly in syllables

About "jolly"

Syllables
2
Letters
5
Language
EN

How to Split "jolly" into Syllables

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

📝 Syllable Breakdown

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

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of jolly:

  • IPA: /ˈd͡ʒɒli/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. jolly (comparative jollier, superlative jolliest)
  2. Full of merriment and high spirits; jovial; joyous; merry.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English joli, jolif (“merry, cheerful”), from Old French joli, jolif (“merry, joyful”). For the loss of final -f in English, compare tardy, hasty, hussy, etc. It is uncertain whether the Old French word is from Old Norse jól ("a midwinter feast, Yule", hence "fest-ive"), in which case, equivalent to yule +‎ -ive, compare Dutch jolig (“happy, festive, frolicsome, jolly”), West Frisian joelich, joalich (“merry, jolly”), Middle High German jœlich (“hooting, jubilan...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
jolly 2 jol·ly
Joel 1 joel
Jewel 2 je-wel
jowly 2 jow-ly
Jekyll 2 je-kyll

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to jolly:

jolt, Jolene, Joliet, Jolson, jolter, jollily, jollity, jolly's.

Frequently Asked Questions About "jolly"

How many syllables does "jolly" have?

jolly has 2 syllables: jol·ly. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "jolly"?

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

How do you pronounce "jolly"?

jolly is pronounced as /ˈd͡ʒɒli/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: jol·ly.

Is "jolly" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "jolly" 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.