obligation

Syllables:
o·bli·ga·tion
4 syllables
obligation in syllables

About "obligation"

Syllables
4
Letters
10
Language
EN

How to Split "obligation" into Syllables

The word obligation is divided into 4 syllables: o·bli·ga·tion. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • o — 1st syllable
  • bli — 2nd syllable
  • ga — 3rd syllable
  • tion — 4th syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of obligation:

  • IPA: /ˌɒb.lɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. obligation (countable and uncountable, plural obligations)
  2. The act of binding oneself by a social, legal, or moral tie to someone.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English obligacioun, from Old French obligacion, from Latin obligatio, obligationem, from obligatum (past participle of obligare), from ob- (“to”) + ligare (“to bind”), from Proto-Indo-European *leyǵ- (“to bind”). Borrowed from Latin obligātiōnem, from the verb obligō (“tie together”). Derived from Latin obligātiō.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down obligation 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 obligation:

oblate, oblige, oblong, obliged, oblique, obloquy, oblation, obligate.

Frequently Asked Questions About "obligation"

How many syllables does "obligation" have?

obligation has 4 syllables: o·bli·ga·tion. The word is divided into 4 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "obligation"?

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

How do you pronounce "obligation"?

obligation is pronounced as /ˌɒb.lɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: o·bli·ga·tion.

Is "obligation" easy to spell?

Breaking obligation into syllables helps with spelling: o·bli·ga·tion. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "obligation" 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.