terrific

Syllables:
ter·ri·fic
3 syllables
terrific in syllables

About "terrific"

Syllables
3
Letters
8
Language
EN

How to Split "terrific" into Syllables

The word terrific is divided into 3 syllables: ter·ri·fic. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • ter — 1st syllable
  • ri — 2nd syllable
  • fic — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of terrific:

  • IPA: /təˈɹɪfɪk/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. terrific (comparative more terrific, superlative most terrific)
  2. Very strong or intense; excessive, tremendous. [from 18th c.]

📚 Word Origin & History

From French terrifique, and its source, Latin terrificus (“terrifying”), from terrere (“to frighten, terrify”) + -ficus, from facere (“to make”). The "excellent, amazing" sense is an ameliorative semantic shift from the original sense of "terrifying". Compare similar semantic development in sick and wicked.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
terrific 3 ter·ri·fic
tripos 2 tri-pos
turps 1 turps
trapeze 3 tra-pe-ze
traipse 2 traip-se

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to terrific:

Teri, term, tern, Terr, Terra, Terri, Terry, terse.

Frequently Asked Questions About "terrific"

How many syllables does "terrific" have?

terrific has 3 syllables: ter·ri·fic. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "terrific"?

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

How do you pronounce "terrific"?

terrific is pronounced as /təˈɹɪfɪk/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: ter·ri·fic.

Is "terrific" easy to spell?

Breaking terrific into syllables helps with spelling: ter·ri·fic. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "terrific" 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.