nervous

Syllables:
nerv·ous
2 syllables
nervous in syllables

About "nervous"

Syllables
2
Letters
7
Language
EN

How to Split "nervous" into Syllables

The word nervous is divided into 2 syllables: nerv·ous. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • nerv — 1st syllable
  • ous — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of nervous:

  • IPA: /ˈnɜːvəs/

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📖 Definitions

  1. nervous (comparative more nervous or (nonstandard) nervouser, superlative most nervous or (nonstandard) nervousest)
  2. Supplied with nerves; innervated. [from 14th c.]

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English nervous (“composed of or incorporating nerves”), from Latin nervōsus (“nervous; sinewy; energetic, vigorous”), from nervus (“nerve; muscle; sinew, tendon; (figuratively) energy, power; nerve; force, strength, vigour”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *snéh₁wr̥ (“sinew, tendon”)) + -ōsus (suffix meaning ‘full of, prone to’ forming adjectives from nouns). The English word is analysable as nerve +‎ -ous. Borrowed from Latin nervōsus; equivalent t...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down nervous 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 nervous:

nerd, Nerf, Nero, nerdy, nerve, nervy, Nereid, Neruda.

Frequently Asked Questions About "nervous"

How many syllables does "nervous" have?

nervous has 2 syllables: nerv·ous. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "nervous"?

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

How do you pronounce "nervous"?

nervous is pronounced as /ˈnɜːvəs/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: nerv·ous.

Is "nervous" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "nervous" 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.