lice

Syllables:
li·ce
2 syllables
lice in syllables

About "lice"

Syllables
2
Letters
4
Language
EN

How to Split "lice" into Syllables

The word lice is divided into 2 syllables: li·ce. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • li — 1st syllable
  • ce — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of lice:

  • IPA: /laɪs/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. -icle, Celi, ICLE, ILEC, Icel., ceil, ciel
  2. Homophones: lices, lis/lys, lisse, lissent, lisses

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English lys, from Old English lȳs. From Frankish *listia. Compare German Leiste (“lath”). Probably from Vulgar Latin *licia, from Latin lycisca, feminine of lyciscus (“wolf dog”). (This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.) See lejce. Inherited from Proto-Slavic *lice. Inherited from Proto-Slavic *līcè. Cognate with Serbo-Croatian líce.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
lice 2 li·ce
lawless 2 law-less
lollygag 3 lol-ly-gag
Luisa 2 lui-sa
lush 1 lush

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to lice:

lick, licit, lichee, lichen, license, licking, licensee, licorice.

Frequently Asked Questions About "lice"

How many syllables does "lice" have?

lice has 2 syllables: li·ce. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "lice"?

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

How do you pronounce "lice"?

lice is pronounced as /laɪs/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: li·ce.

Is "lice" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "lice" 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.