hostile

Syllables:
ho·sti·le
3 syllables
hostile in syllables

About "hostile"

Syllables
3
Letters
7
Language
EN

How to Split "hostile" into Syllables

The word hostile is divided into 3 syllables: ho·sti·le. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • ho — 1st syllable
  • sti — 2nd syllable
  • le — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of hostile:

  • IPA: /ˈhɒstaɪl/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. hostile (comparative more hostile, superlative most hostile)
  2. Not friendly; appropriate to an enemy; showing the disposition of an enemy; showing ill will and malevolence or a desire to thwart and injure.

📚 Word Origin & History

Borrowed from Middle French hostile, from Latin hostīlis, from hostis (“enemy”). Displaced Old English fēondlīċ. Inherited from Middle French hostile, hostif (this form with a change of suffix), borrowed from Latin hostilis.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
hostile 3 ho·sti·le
hightail 1 hightail
hustle 1 hustle
hostel 2 ho-stel

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to hostile:

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

Frequently Asked Questions About "hostile"

How many syllables does "hostile" have?

hostile has 3 syllables: ho·sti·le. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "hostile"?

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

How do you pronounce "hostile"?

hostile is pronounced as /ˈhɒstaɪl/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: ho·sti·le.

Is "hostile" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "hostile" 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.