sickly

Syllables:
sick·ly
2 syllables
sickly in syllables

About "sickly"

Syllables
2
Letters
6
Language
EN

How to Split "sickly" into Syllables

The word sickly is divided into 2 syllables: sick·ly. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • sick — 1st syllable
  • ly — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of sickly:

  • IPA: /ˈsɪkli/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. sickly (comparative sicklier, superlative sickliest)
  2. Frequently ill or in poor health; weakly.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English seekly, sekely, siklich, sekeliche, equivalent to sick +‎ -ly. Possibly a modification of Old English sīcle (“sickly”) and/or derived from Old Norse sjúkligr (“sickly”). Cognate with Dutch ziekelijk, Middle High German siechlich, Danish sygelig, Swedish sjuklig, Icelandic sjúklegur. The verb is from the adjective. From sick +‎ -ly.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
sickly 2 sick·ly
scale 2 sca-le
seawall 2 sea-wall
soil 1 soil
shale 2 sha-le

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to sickly:

sic, sick, sicko, Sicily, sicken, sickie, sickle, sickbay.

Frequently Asked Questions About "sickly"

How many syllables does "sickly" have?

sickly has 2 syllables: sick·ly. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "sickly"?

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

How do you pronounce "sickly"?

sickly is pronounced as /ˈsɪkli/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: sick·ly.

Is "sickly" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "sickly" 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.