sorrowful

Syllables:
sor·row·ful
3 syllables
sorrowful in syllables

About "sorrowful"

Syllables
3
Letters
9
Language
EN

How to Split "sorrowful" into Syllables

The word sorrowful is divided into 3 syllables: sor·row·ful. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • sor — 1st syllable
  • row — 2nd syllable
  • ful — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of sorrowful:

  • IPA: /ˈsɔɹoʊfəl/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. sorrowful (comparative more sorrowful, superlative most sorrowful)
  2. exhibiting sorrow; dejected; distraught; sad. (of a person)

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English sorweful, from Old English sorhful, sorgful (“full of care; anxious; sorrowful”), from Proto-Germanic *surgafullaz (“full of care; anxious”), equivalent to sorrow +‎ -ful. Cognate with Old High German sorgfol (“careful; anxious”), Norwegian sorgfull (“sorrowful”), Icelandic sorgfullur (“lamentable”).

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
sorrowful 3 sor·row·ful
survivable 3 sur-viv-able
scrofula 3 scro-fu-la
shareable 3 sha-re-able
scrabble 1 scrabble

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to sorrowful:

sore, sort, sorry, sorta, sorbet, sordid, sorrel, sorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions About "sorrowful"

How many syllables does "sorrowful" have?

sorrowful has 3 syllables: sor·row·ful. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "sorrowful"?

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

How do you pronounce "sorrowful"?

sorrowful is pronounced as /ˈsɔɹoʊfəl/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: sor·row·ful.

Is "sorrowful" easy to spell?

Breaking sorrowful into syllables helps with spelling: sor·row·ful. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "sorrowful" 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.