prevail

Syllables:
pre·vail
2 syllables
prevail in syllables

About "prevail"

Syllables
2
Letters
7
Language
EN

How to Split "prevail" into Syllables

The word prevail is divided into 2 syllables: pre·vail. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • pre — 1st syllable
  • vail — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of prevail:

  • IPA: /pɹɪˈveɪl/

Listen to Pronunciation

Note: Audio requires JavaScript enabled

📖 Definitions

  1. prevail (third-person singular simple present prevails, present participle prevailing, simple past and past participle prevailed)
  2. William Dwight Whitney, Benjamin E[li] Smith, editors (1911), “prevail”, in The Century Dictionary […], New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., →OCLC.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English prevailen, from Old French prevaler, from Latin praevaleō (“be very able or more able, be superior, prevail”), from prae (“before”) + valeō (“be able or powerful”). Displaced native Old English rīcsian.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
prevail 2 pre·vail
probable 2 prob-able
profile 3 pro-fi-le
propel 2 pro-pel
powerful 3 po-wer-ful

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to prevail:

pref, prep, pres, prey, preen, press, preach, preamp.

Frequently Asked Questions About "prevail"

How many syllables does "prevail" have?

prevail has 2 syllables: pre·vail. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "prevail"?

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

How do you pronounce "prevail"?

prevail is pronounced as /pɹɪˈveɪl/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: pre·vail.

Is "prevail" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "prevail" 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.