seldom

Syllables:
sel·dom
2 syllables
seldom in syllables

About "seldom"

Syllables
2
Letters
6
Language
EN

How to Split "seldom" into Syllables

The word seldom is divided into 2 syllables: sel·dom. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • sel — 1st syllable
  • dom — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of seldom:

  • IPA: /ˈsɛldəm/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. seldom (comparative more seldom or seldomer, superlative most seldom or seldomest)
  2. It is grammatically a negative word. It therefore collocates with ever rather than never. Compare he seldom ever plays tennis with he almost never plays tennis.

📚 Word Origin & History

From late Middle English seldom, alteration of earlier selden by analogy with adverbial datives such as whilom, from Old English seldan (“seldom”), from Proto-West Germanic *seldanā, from Proto-Germanic *seldanē. Cognate with Saterland Frisian säilden (“seldom”), West Frisian selden, komselden (“rare, seldom”), Dutch zelden, German selten, Danish sjælden, Norwegian sjelden, Swedish sällan, Faroese sjáldan, Icelandic sjaldan. More at seld and selly. From Old English seldan. From...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
seldom 2 sel·dom
Shackleton 2 shackle-ton
salutation 4 sa-lu-ta-tion
Sheldon 2 shel-don
skeleton 3 ske-le-ton

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to seldom:

self, sell, Selim, Selma, select, Selena, Seljuk, seller.

Frequently Asked Questions About "seldom"

How many syllables does "seldom" have?

seldom has 2 syllables: sel·dom. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "seldom"?

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

How do you pronounce "seldom"?

seldom is pronounced as /ˈsɛldəm/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: sel·dom.

Is "seldom" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "seldom" 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.