retaliate

Syllables:
re·ta·lia·te
4 syllables
retaliate in syllables

About "retaliate"

Syllables
4
Letters
9
Language
EN

How to Split "retaliate" into Syllables

The word retaliate is divided into 4 syllables: re·ta·lia·te. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • re — 1st syllable
  • ta — 2nd syllable
  • lia — 3rd syllable
  • te — 4th syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of retaliate:

  • IPA: /ɹɪˈtæl.i.eɪt/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. retaliate (third-person singular simple present retaliates, present participle retaliating, simple past and past participle retaliated)
  2. 1713-174, Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope, Memoirs of Martinus Scriblerus Preface

📚 Word Origin & History

From Latin retāliātus, past participle of retāliō (“to requite, retaliate”).

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
retaliate 4 re·ta·lia·te
raddled 2 raddl-ed
retitled 3 re-titl-ed
retold 2 re-told
rootlet 2 root-let

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to retaliate:

retch, retie, retro, retry, retail, retain, retake, retard.

Frequently Asked Questions About "retaliate"

How many syllables does "retaliate" have?

retaliate has 4 syllables: re·ta·lia·te. The word is divided into 4 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "retaliate"?

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

How do you pronounce "retaliate"?

retaliate is pronounced as /ɹɪˈtæl.i.eɪt/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: re·ta·lia·te.

Is "retaliate" easy to spell?

Breaking retaliate into syllables helps with spelling: re·ta·lia·te. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "retaliate" 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.