Which syllable gets emphasis?

stressed

unstressed

The syllable "stressed" receives emphasis.

In order to determine which syllable gets the emphasis in a word, you will need to analyze its pronunciation or consult a dictionary. However, I can provide you with a general rule: in many cases, the emphasis tends to fall on the first syllable of a word.

Determining which syllable gets emphasis in a word or phrase requires understanding the rules of stress in English. Here are some guidelines:

1. Identify the vowel sounds: Start by identifying the vowel sounds in the word or phrase. Vowels are the most likely candidates for stressed syllables.

2. Look for long vowels: Long vowels are more likely to be stressed than short vowels. In English, long vowels can be found in words like "cake" or "boat."

3. Check for diphthongs: A diphthong is a combination of two vowel sounds in a single syllable. The first part of the diphthong is usually longer and more stressed than the second part. Examples of diphthongs include "boy" or "coin."

4. Consider prefixes and suffixes: In compound words, the primary stress usually falls on the first syllable. In contrast, suffixes often receive secondary stress. For instance, in the word "unhappiness," the primary stress is on the first syllable ("un-") while the secondary stress is on the second syllable ("-hap-").

5. Recognize word patterns: Some words follow specific patterns of stress based on their syllable structure. For example, most two-syllable nouns are stressed on the first syllable ("brother"), while two-syllable verbs are usually stressed on the second syllable ("believe").

It is important to note that stress patterns in English can vary depending on regional accents, dialects, and individual speaking styles. Consult a reliable dictionary or pronunciation guide for precise stress patterns in specific words.