About "wife"
How to Split "wife" into Syllables
The word wife is divided into 2 syllables: wi·fe. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.
📝 Syllable Breakdown
- wi — 1st syllable
- fe — 2nd syllable
🔊 Pronunciation Guide
The phonetic transcription of wife:
- IPA: /wæf/
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📖 Definitions
- A married woman, especially in relation to her spouse.
- 1952, P. G. Wodehouse, Big Business, in 'A Few Quick Ones', Everyman, London: 2009, p 127-8.
📚 Word Origin & History
Inherited from Middle English wyf, wif, from Old English wīf (“woman, wife”), from Proto-West Germanic *wīb, from Proto-Germanic *wībą (“woman, wife”). Germanic cognates include Scots wife (“wife, woman”), North Frisian wüf (“wife, woman”), Saterland Frisian Wieuw (“woman, lady, female”), West Frisian wiif (“wife, woman”), Cimbrian baip, baibe (“wife, woman”), Dutch wijf (“woman, female”), German Weib (“woman, wife, female”), German Low German Wiev (“wo...
✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?
Understanding how to break down wife 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 wife with related words to understand syllable patterns:
| Word | Syllables | Division |
|---|---|---|
| wife | 2 | wi·fe |
| whiff | 1 | whiff |
| wave | 2 | wa-ve |
| weave | 2 | wea-ve |
| Web | 1 | web |
🔗 Related Words
Explore syllable divisions of words related to wife: