nephew

Syllables:
ne·phew
2 syllables
nephew in syllables

About "nephew"

Syllables
2
Letters
6
Language
EN

How to Split "nephew" into Syllables

The word nephew is divided into 2 syllables: ne·phew. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • ne — 1st syllable
  • phew — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of nephew:

  • IPA: /ˈnɛf.ju/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. A son of one's sibling, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law; either a son of one's brother (fraternal nephew) or a son of one's sister (sororal nephew).
  2. A son of one's cousin or cousin-in-law

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English nevew, neveu (“nephew, grandson”), from Old French neveu, from Latin nepos, nepōtem, from Proto-Italic *nepōts (“nephew, grandson”), whence also French neveu, Italian nipote. Displaced or absorbed the inherited English neve (“nephew, grandson, male cousin”), from Middle English neve, from Old English nefa, from Proto-West Germanic *nefō, from Proto-Germanic *nefô (“nephew, grandson”), whence Dutch neef, German Neffe. All ultimately from Proto-Indo-European...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
nephew 2 ne·phew
nape 2 na-pe
Nov 1 nov
nabob 2 na-bob
NIMBY 2 nim-by

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to nephew:

Nepal, Nepali, Neptune, Nepalese, nepenthe, nephrite, nepotism, nepotist.

Frequently Asked Questions About "nephew"

How many syllables does "nephew" have?

nephew has 2 syllables: ne·phew. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "nephew"?

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

How do you pronounce "nephew"?

nephew is pronounced as /ˈnɛf.ju/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: ne·phew.

Is "nephew" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "nephew" 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.