obliterate

How to Split "obliterate" into Syllables

The word obliterate is divided into 5 syllables: o·bli·te·ra·te. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

• o — 1st syllable
• bli — 2nd syllable
• te — 3rd syllable
• ra — 4th syllable
• te — 5th syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of obliterate:

• IPA: /əˈblɪtəɹeɪt/

📖 Definitions

1. obliterate (third-person singular simple present obliterates, present participle obliterating, simple past and past participle obliterated)
2. To destroy (someone or something) completely, leaving no trace; to annihilate, to wipe out.

📚 Word Origin & History

(start of 17th century) From earlier obliterat, learned borrowing from Latin obliterātus, oblitterātus (“having been blotted out, effaced, erased; having been forgotten”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix, of participial origin)). Obliterātus and oblitterātus are respectively the perfect passive participles of obliterō and oblitterō (“to blot out, efface, erase, obliterate; to cause to be forgotten”), probably either: from ob- (prefix meaning ‘against; towards’) + littera (“lett...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down obliterate 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 obliterate:

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