travail

Syllables:
tra·vail
2 syllables
travail in syllables

About "travail"

Syllables
2
Letters
7
Language
EN

How to Split "travail" into Syllables

The word travail is divided into 2 syllables: tra·vail. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • tra — 1st syllable
  • vail — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of travail:

  • IPA: /tɹəˈveɪl/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. travail (plural travails or travaux)
  2. Specifically, the labor of childbirth. [from 13th c.]

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English travail, from Old French travail (“suffering, torment”), deverbal of travailler, from Vulgar Latin *tripāliāre, from Late Latin tripālium, from Latin tripālis (“held up by three stakes”) from Proto-Italic *trēs + *pākslos from Proto-Indo-European *peh₂ǵ-. Doublet of travel. From Middle English travailen, from Old French travaillier, from the noun (see above). Doublet of travel. Displaced native Middle English swinken (“to work”) (from Old English swinca...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
travail 2 tra·vail
trifle 2 tri-fle
trappable 2 trapp-able
tarball 2 tar-ball
triply 2 trip-ly

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to travail:

trad, tram, Tran, trap, tray, trace, Traci, track.

Frequently Asked Questions About "travail"

How many syllables does "travail" have?

travail has 2 syllables: tra·vail. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "travail"?

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

How do you pronounce "travail"?

travail is pronounced as /tɹəˈveɪl/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: tra·vail.

Is "travail" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "travail" 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.