oblige

Syllables:
o·bli·ge
3 syllables
oblige in syllables

About "oblige"

Syllables
3
Letters
6
Language
EN

How to Split "oblige" into Syllables

The word oblige is divided into 3 syllables: o·bli·ge. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • o — 1st syllable
  • bli — 2nd syllable
  • ge — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of oblige:

  • IPA: /əˈblaɪd͡ʒ/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. oblige (third-person singular simple present obliges, present participle obliging, simple past and past participle obliged)
  2. Aside from in American English and Scottish, "obliged" had largely replaced "obligate" by the 20th century, the latter being more common in the 17th through 19th centuries.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English obligen, from Old French obligier, obliger, from Latin obligō, obligāre, from ob- + ligō. Doublet of obligate, taken straight from Latin.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
oblige 3 o·bli·ge
obelisk 3 o-be-lisk
obloquy 3 o-blo-quy
oblique 3 o-bli-que

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to oblige:

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

Frequently Asked Questions About "oblige"

How many syllables does "oblige" have?

oblige has 3 syllables: o·bli·ge. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "oblige"?

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

How do you pronounce "oblige"?

oblige is pronounced as /əˈblaɪd͡ʒ/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: o·bli·ge.

Is "oblige" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "oblige" 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.