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Glite Dictionary
disyllable

disyllable

7.9
A word with two syllables
  • noun
  • /ˈdɪsɪˌlæbəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : disílabo
  • The word "table" is a classic example of a disyllable.

Examples

  • Children often learn to read by clapping out each disyllable they see.

  • When teaching phonics, it's helpful to start with disyllable words like "pencil" and "dinner."

  • Poets sometimes use disyllable words to create a specific rhythm in their verses.

  • Many disyllables are commonly used in English.

  • Can you give me an example of a disyllable?

  • The word "happy" is a common disyllable that many children learn early on.

  • In linguistic studies, researchers often analyze disyllable words to understand language patterns.

Synonyms

dissyllable
vsdisyllable
  • Specialized
8.8

A word with two syllables

has identical meaning but is spelled with a single s

How Long

alexandrine
  • Literature
1 9.9
hendecasyllable
  • Literature
9.9
octosyllable
  • Literature
9.9
disyllable
  • Specialized
7.9
monosyllable
2 6.3

Surface Forms

disyllable singular
disyllables plural

Morphology

disyllable = syllable (transparent) = di + syllable

The meaning 'two syllables' is directly derived from the combining form 'di-' (two) plus 'syllable', so the sense is predictable from its parts.

Etymology

Disyllable comes from the prefix di- meaning 'two' and syllable meaning a 'sound beat' in a word, so a disyllable is simply a word with two sound beats. Think of clapping twice for 'ta-ble' or 'hap-py' to feel the two parts.