second

Syllables:
se·cond
2 syllables
second in syllables

About "second"

Syllables
2
Letters
6
Language
EN

How to Split "second" into Syllables

The word second is divided into 2 syllables: se·cond. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • se — 1st syllable
  • cond — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of second:

  • IPA: /ˈsɛkənd/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. Number-two; following after the first one with nothing between them. The ordinal number corresponding to the cardinal number two.
  2. Next to the first in value, power, excellence, dignity, or rank; secondary; subordinate; inferior.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English secunde, second, secound, secund, borrowed from Old French second, seond, from Latin secundus (“following, next in order”), from root of sequor (“I follow”), from Proto-Indo-European *sekʷ- (“to follow”). Doublet of secund and secundo. Displaced native twoth and partially displaced native other (from Old English ōþer (“other; next; second”)). From Middle English secunde, seconde, borrowed from Old French seconde, from Medieval Latin secunda, short for secu...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
second 2 se·cond
shanty 2 shan-ty
summat 2 sum-mat
sigmoid 2 sig-moid
summit 2 sum-mit

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to second:

Sec, sect, secy, sec'y, secant, secede, secret, sector.

Frequently Asked Questions About "second"

How many syllables does "second" have?

second has 2 syllables: se·cond. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "second"?

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

How do you pronounce "second"?

second is pronounced as /ˈsɛkənd/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: se·cond.

Is "second" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "second" 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.