meritocracy

Syllables:
me·ri·to·cra·cy
5 syllables
meritocracy in syllables

About "meritocracy"

Syllables
5
Letters
11
Language
EN

How to Split "meritocracy" into Syllables

The word meritocracy is divided into 5 syllables: me·ri·to·cra·cy. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • me — 1st syllable
  • ri — 2nd syllable
  • to — 3rd syllable
  • cra — 4th syllable
  • cy — 5th syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of meritocracy:

  • IPA: /mɛɹɪˈtɒkɹəsi/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. meritocracy (countable and uncountable, plural meritocracies)
  2. A type of society where wealth, income, and social status are assigned through competition.

📚 Word Origin & History

From merit +‎ -o- +‎ -cracy, coined by British sociologist Alan Fox in 1956 in an article in Socialist Commentary from May 1956, used as a derisive term, and popularized by British sociologist Michael Young, Baron Young of Dartington in his 1958 book The Rise of the Meritocracy.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down meritocracy 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 meritocracy:

mere, Merak, Merck, mercy, meres, merge, merit, Merle.

Frequently Asked Questions About "meritocracy"

How many syllables does "meritocracy" have?

meritocracy has 5 syllables: me·ri·to·cra·cy. The word is divided into 5 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "meritocracy"?

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

How do you pronounce "meritocracy"?

meritocracy is pronounced as /mɛɹɪˈtɒkɹəsi/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: me·ri·to·cra·cy.

Is "meritocracy" easy to spell?

Breaking meritocracy into syllables helps with spelling: me·ri·to·cra·cy. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "meritocracy" 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.