legitimate

Syllables:
le·gi·ti·ma·te
5 syllables
legitimate in syllables

About "legitimate"

Syllables
5
Letters
10
Language
EN

How to Split "legitimate" into Syllables

The word legitimate is divided into 5 syllables: le·gi·ti·ma·te. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

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

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of legitimate:

  • IPA: /lɪˈd͡ʒɪt.ɪ.mət/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. legitimate (comparative more legitimate, superlative most legitimate)
  2. In accordance with the law or established legal forms and requirements.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English legitimat, legytymat, from Medieval Latin lēgitimātus, perfect passive participle of Latin lēgitimō (“to make legal”) (see -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), from Latin lēgitimus (“lawful”), originally "fixed by law, in line with the law," from Latin lēx (“law”). Originally "lawfully begotten". The noun was derived from the adjective within English or earlier by substantivization (see -ate (noun-forming suffix)), the verb from the adjective by conversion (see...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down legitimate 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 legitimate:

leg, Lego, legal, Leger, leggy, legit, legacy, legate.

Frequently Asked Questions About "legitimate"

How many syllables does "legitimate" have?

legitimate has 5 syllables: le·gi·ti·ma·te. The word is divided into 5 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "legitimate"?

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

How do you pronounce "legitimate"?

legitimate is pronounced as /lɪˈd͡ʒɪt.ɪ.mət/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: le·gi·ti·ma·te.

Is "legitimate" easy to spell?

Breaking legitimate into syllables helps with spelling: 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 "legitimate" 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.