ostracism

Syllables:
ostra·cism
2 syllables
ostracism in syllables

About "ostracism"

Syllables
2
Letters
9
Language
EN

How to Split "ostracism" into Syllables

The word ostracism is divided into 2 syllables: ostra·cism. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • ostra — 1st syllable
  • cism — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of ostracism:

  • IPA: /ˈɒstɹəsɪz(ə)m/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. ostracism (countable and uncountable, plural ostracisms)
  2. Temporary exclusion from a community or society.

📚 Word Origin & History

Learned borrowing from Ancient Greek ὀστρακισμός (ostrakismós, “banishment by means of voting with pot shards”), from ὀστρακίζω (ostrakízō, “ostracize”) + -ισμός (-ismós, “-ism”), from ὄστρακον (óstrakon, “clay pot”). Borrowed from French ostracisme.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down ostracism 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 ostracism:

ostler, ostrich, Ostwald, osteopath, ostracize, Ostrogoth, ostensible, osteopathy.

Frequently Asked Questions About "ostracism"

How many syllables does "ostracism" have?

ostracism has 2 syllables: ostra·cism. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "ostracism"?

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

How do you pronounce "ostracism"?

ostracism is pronounced as /ˈɒstɹəsɪz(ə)m/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: ostra·cism.

Is "ostracism" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "ostracism" 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.