About "scapegoat"
How to Split "scapegoat" into Syllables
The word scapegoat is divided into 3 syllables: sca·pe·goat. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.
📝 Syllable Breakdown
- sca — 1st syllable
- pe — 2nd syllable
- goat — 3rd syllable
🔊 Pronunciation Guide
The phonetic transcription of scapegoat:
- IPA: /ˈskeɪpˌɡoʊt/
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📖 Definitions
- In the Mosaic Day of Atonement ritual, a goat symbolically imbued with the sins of the people, and sent out alive into the wilderness while another was sacrificed.
- Someone unfairly blamed or punished for some failure.
📚 Word Origin & History
From scape + goat; coined by English biblical scholar and translator William Tyndale, interpreting Biblical Hebrew עֲזָאזֵל (“azazél”) (Leviticus 16:8, 10, 26), from an interpretation as coming from עֵז (ez, “goat”) and אוזל (ozél, “escapes”). First attested 1530. Compare English scapegrace, scapegallows.
✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?
Understanding how to break down scapegoat 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 scapegoat with related words to understand syllable patterns:
| Word | Syllables | Division |
|---|---|---|
| scapegoat | 3 | sca·pe·goat |
| spiciest | 3 | spi-ci-est |
| subsidy | 3 | sub-si-dy |
| subset | 2 | sub-set |
| subjugate | 4 | sub-ju-ga-te |
🔗 Related Words
Explore syllable divisions of words related to scapegoat: