hostage

Syllables:
ho·sta·ge
3 syllables
hostage in syllables

About "hostage"

Syllables
3
Letters
7
Language
EN

How to Split "hostage" into Syllables

The word hostage is divided into 3 syllables: ho·sta·ge. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • ho — 1st syllable
  • sta — 2nd syllable
  • ge — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of hostage:

  • IPA: /ˈhɒs.tɪd͡ʒ/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. A person given as a pledge or security for the performance of the conditions of a treaty or similar agreement, such as to ensure the status of a vassal.
  2. A person seized in order to compel another party to act (or refrain from acting) in a certain way, because of the threat of harm to the hostage.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English hostage, ostage, from Old French hostage, ostage. This, in turn, is either from Old French hoste (“host”) + -age (in which case the sense development is from taking someone into "lodging" to taking them into "captivity", to applying the term to a captive), or is from Vulgar Latin obsidāticum (“condition of being held captive”), from Latin obses (“hostage, captive”), with the initial h- added under the influence of hoste or another word. Displaced native Old Engli...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
hostage 3 ho·sta·ge
hostess 2 ho-stess
hackitudes 4 ha-cki-tu-des
haystack 2 hay-stack
hectic 2 hec-tic

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to hostage:

hos, hose, hosp, host, Hosea, hosier, hostel, hosanna.

Frequently Asked Questions About "hostage"

How many syllables does "hostage" have?

hostage has 3 syllables: ho·sta·ge. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "hostage"?

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

How do you pronounce "hostage"?

hostage is pronounced as /ˈhɒs.tɪd͡ʒ/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: ho·sta·ge.

Is "hostage" easy to spell?

Breaking hostage into syllables helps with spelling: ho·sta·ge. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "hostage" 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.