mutilate

Syllables:
mu·ti·la·te
4 syllables
mutilate in syllables

About "mutilate"

Syllables
4
Letters
8
Language
EN

How to Split "mutilate" into Syllables

The word mutilate is divided into 4 syllables: mu·ti·la·te. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • mu — 1st syllable
  • ti — 2nd syllable
  • la — 3rd syllable
  • te — 4th syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of mutilate:

  • IPA: /ˈmjuː.tɪˌleɪt/

Listen to Pronunciation

Note: Audio requires JavaScript enabled

📖 Definitions

  1. mutilate (third-person singular simple present mutilates, present participle mutilating, simple past and past participle mutilated)
  2. To physically harm as to impair use, notably by cutting off or otherwise disabling a vital part, such as a limb.

📚 Word Origin & History

Learned borrowing from Latin mutilātus, the perfect passive participle of mutilō (“to mutilate”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), itself from mutilus (“maimed”).

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
mutilate 4 mu·ti·la·te
Matilda 3 ma-til-da
mentholated 3 mentho-lat-ed
modality 4 mo-da-li-ty
mentality 4 men-ta-li-ty

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to mutilate:

mute, mutt, muted, mutant, mutate, mutiny, mutter, mutton.

Frequently Asked Questions About "mutilate"

How many syllables does "mutilate" have?

mutilate has 4 syllables: mu·ti·la·te. The word is divided into 4 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "mutilate"?

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

How do you pronounce "mutilate"?

mutilate is pronounced as /ˈmjuː.tɪˌleɪt/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: mu·ti·la·te.

Is "mutilate" easy to spell?

Breaking mutilate into syllables helps with spelling: mu·ti·la·te. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "mutilate" 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.