hearsay

Syllables:
hear·say
2 syllables
hearsay in syllables

About "hearsay"

Syllables
2
Letters
7
Language
EN

How to Split "hearsay" into Syllables

The word hearsay is divided into 2 syllables: hear·say. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • hear — 1st syllable
  • say — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of hearsay:

  • IPA: /ˈhɪəseɪ/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. hearsay (usually uncountable, plural hearsays)
  2. Information that was heard by one person about another that cannot be adequately substantiated.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English hyere-zigginge (1340), here sey (ca. 1438), from the phrase heren seien (“to hear [people] say”). Compare equally old Middle High German hœrsagen (14th c.), whence modern Hörensagen.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
hearsay 2 hear·say
heresy 3 he-re-sy
horse 2 hor-se
Hershey 1 hershey
Horace 3 ho-ra-ce

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to hearsay:

Head, heal, heap, hear, heat, heady, hears, heart.

Frequently Asked Questions About "hearsay"

How many syllables does "hearsay" have?

hearsay has 2 syllables: hear·say. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "hearsay"?

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

How do you pronounce "hearsay"?

hearsay is pronounced as /ˈhɪəseɪ/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: hear·say.

Is "hearsay" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "hearsay" 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.