legerdemain

Syllables:
le·ger·de·main
4 syllables
legerdemain in syllables

About "legerdemain"

Syllables
4
Letters
11
Language
EN

How to Split "legerdemain" into Syllables

The word legerdemain is divided into 4 syllables: le·ger·de·main. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • le — 1st syllable
  • ger — 2nd syllable
  • de — 3rd syllable
  • main — 4th syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of legerdemain:

  • IPA: /ˌlɛd͡ʒ.ə.dɨˈmeɪn/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. legerdemain (usually uncountable, plural legerdemains)
  2. Sleight of hand; "magic" trickery.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English legerdemeyn, lechardemane, from Old French léger de main (literally “light of hand”), a phrase that meant “dexterous, skillful at fooling others (especially through sleights of hand)”, which was however treated as a noun when it was borrowed by late Middle English. The Modern French descendant léger de main of the Old French phrase is archaic but still sometimes found in older literature and simply means “skillful” without any connotation of sleight of hand.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
legerdemain 4 le·ger·de·main
luxuriation 4 lu-xu-ria-tion
laceration 4 la-ce-ra-tion
logarithm 3 lo-ga-rithm

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to legerdemain:

leg, Lego, legal, Leger, leggy, legit, legacy, legate.

Frequently Asked Questions About "legerdemain"

How many syllables does "legerdemain" have?

legerdemain has 4 syllables: le·ger·de·main. The word is divided into 4 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "legerdemain"?

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

How do you pronounce "legerdemain"?

legerdemain is pronounced as /ˌlɛd͡ʒ.ə.dɨˈmeɪn/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: le·ger·de·main.

Is "legerdemain" easy to spell?

Breaking legerdemain into syllables helps with spelling: le·ger·de·main. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "legerdemain" 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.