prime

Syllables:
pri·me
2 syllables
prime in syllables

About "prime"

Syllables
2
Letters
5
Language
EN

How to Split "prime" into Syllables

The word prime is divided into 2 syllables: pri·me. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • pri — 1st syllable
  • me — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of prime:

  • IPA: /pɹaɪ̯m/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. prime (comparative primer, superlative primest)
  2. First in importance, degree, or rank.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English prime, from Old French prime and its etymon, Latin prīmus (“first”), from earlier prīsmos < *prīsemos < Proto-Italic *priisemos, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *per- (“beyond, before”). Doublet of primo and primus. The noun sense "apostrophe-like symbol" originates from the fact that the symbol ′ was originally a superscript Roman numeral one. Related to primage and Latin prīmus. From French prime (“reward, prize, bonus”). From proj (“to guard, defen...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
prime 2 pri·me
preen 1 preen
Purim 2 pu-rim
peperoni 4 pe-pe-ro-ni
pron 1 pron

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to prime:

prig, prim, Priam, Price, prick, pricy, pride, prier.

Frequently Asked Questions About "prime"

How many syllables does "prime" have?

prime has 2 syllables: pri·me. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "prime"?

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

How do you pronounce "prime"?

prime is pronounced as /pɹaɪ̯m/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: pri·me.

Is "prime" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "prime" 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.