sympathy

Syllables:
sym·pa·thy
3 syllables
sympathy in syllables

About "sympathy"

Syllables
3
Letters
8
Language
EN

How to Split "sympathy" into Syllables

The word sympathy is divided into 3 syllables: sym·pa·thy. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • sym — 1st syllable
  • pa — 2nd syllable
  • thy — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of sympathy:

  • IPA: /ˈsɪm.pəθ.i/

Listen to Pronunciation

Note: Audio requires JavaScript enabled

📖 Definitions

  1. sympathy (countable and uncountable, plural sympathies)
  2. A feeling of pity or sorrow for the suffering or distress of another.

📚 Word Origin & History

Borrowed from Middle French sympathie, from Late Latin sympathīa (“feeling in common”), from Ancient Greek σῠμπᾰ́θειᾰ (sŭmpắtheiă, “fellow feeling”), from σῠμπᾰθής (sŭmpăthḗs, “affected by like feelings; exerting mutual influence, interacting”) +‎ -ῐᾰ (-ĭă, “-y”, nominal suffix). Equivalent to sym- (“acting or considered together”) +‎ -pathy (“feeling”). Displaced native Old English efnþrōwung (equivalent to even-throeing; liter...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
sympathy 3 sym·pa·thy
snippet 2 snip-pet
signified 4 sig-ni-fi-ed
sunbathe 3 sun-ba-the
sunbath 2 sun-bath

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to sympathy:

symbol, symptom, symbiont, symbolic, symmetry, symphony, symbioses, symbiosis.

Frequently Asked Questions About "sympathy"

How many syllables does "sympathy" have?

sympathy has 3 syllables: sym·pa·thy. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "sympathy"?

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

How do you pronounce "sympathy"?

sympathy is pronounced as /ˈsɪm.pəθ.i/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: sym·pa·thy.

Is "sympathy" easy to spell?

Breaking sympathy into syllables helps with spelling: sym·pa·thy. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "sympathy" 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.