mother

Syllables:
moth·er
2 syllables
mother in syllables

About "mother"

Syllables
2
Letters
6
Language
EN

How to Split "mother" into Syllables

The word mother is divided into 2 syllables: moth·er. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • moth — 1st syllable
  • er — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of mother:

  • IPA: /ˈmʌðə/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. A female parent, especially of a human; a female who parents a child (which she has given birth to, adopted, or fostered).
  2. A female who has given birth to a baby; this person in relation to her child or children.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English moder, from Old English mōdor, from Proto-West Germanic *mōder, from Proto-Germanic *mōdēr, from Proto-Indo-European *méh₂tēr. Doublet of Madeira, mata, mater, matrix, and matter. Some have proposed that the "dregs" sense is from Middle Dutch modder (“filth”), from Proto-Germanic *muþraz (“sediment”), but modder is not known in this meaning. On the other hand, words for "mother" have developed the secondary sense of "dregs" in several Romance and Germanic la...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
mother 2 moth·er
monitor 3 mo-ni-tor
mentor 2 men-tor
madder 2 madd-er
Menander 3 me-nand-er

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to mother:

mot, mote, moth, Mott, motel, motet, motif, motor.

Frequently Asked Questions About "mother"

How many syllables does "mother" have?

mother has 2 syllables: moth·er. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "mother"?

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

How do you pronounce "mother"?

mother is pronounced as /ˈmʌðə/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: moth·er.

Is "mother" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "mother" 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.