opaque

Syllables:
o·pa·que
3 syllables
opaque in syllables

About "opaque"

Syllables
3
Letters
6
Language
EN

How to Split "opaque" into Syllables

The word opaque is divided into 3 syllables: o·pa·que. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • o — 1st syllable
  • pa — 2nd syllable
  • que — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of opaque:

  • IPA: /əʊˈpeɪk/

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📖 Definitions

  1. opaque (comparative more opaque or opaquer, superlative most opaque or opaquest) (see usage notes)
  2. Neither reflecting nor emitting light.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English opake, from Latin opacus (“shaded, shady, dark”) (of unknown origin), later reinforced from Middle French opaque. Doublet of ubac. Borrowed from Latin opācus (“shaded, shady, dark”), itself of unknown origin. Doublet of ubac.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
opaque 3 o·pa·que
opus 2 o-pus
OPEC 2 o-pec
obsequious 4 ob-se-qu-ious
obvious 2 obv-ious

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to opaque:

Opal, opacity, opalescent, opalescence.

Frequently Asked Questions About "opaque"

How many syllables does "opaque" have?

opaque has 3 syllables: o·pa·que. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "opaque"?

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

How do you pronounce "opaque"?

opaque is pronounced as /əʊˈpeɪk/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: o·pa·que.

Is "opaque" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "opaque" 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.