About "marathon"
How to Split "marathon" into Syllables
The word marathon is divided into 3 syllables: ma·ra·thon. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.
📝 Syllable Breakdown
- ma — 1st syllable
- ra — 2nd syllable
- thon — 3rd syllable
🔊 Pronunciation Guide
The phonetic transcription of marathon:
- IPA: /ˈmæɹəθən/
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📖 Definitions
- A 42.195-kilometre (26-mile-385-yard) road race.
- I learned from the marathon that to finish a race you simply keep running.
📚 Word Origin & History
From French marathon, coined in 1894 by linguist Michel Bréal for the first modern time Olympic Games after Ancient Greek Μαραθών (Marathṓn), a town northeast of Athens. Phidippides the Greek ran the distance from Marathon to Athens to deliver a message regarding the Battle of Marathon. The modern sport of marathon running is based on a run approximately the same distance. The toponym itself comes from μάραθον (márathon, “fennel”) and refers to the prevalence of the plant i...
✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?
Understanding how to break down marathon 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 marathon with related words to understand syllable patterns:
| Word | Syllables | Division |
|---|---|---|
| marathon | 3 | ma·ra·thon |
| maritime | 4 | ma-ri-ti-me |
| Mauritanian | 4 | mau-ri-ta-nian |
| Morton | 2 | mor-ton |
| Martin | 2 | mar-tin |
🔗 Related Words
Explore syllable divisions of words related to marathon: