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Question

Difficulty: HardWord and Syllable Stress

Which of the following options indicates the correct syllabification and primary stress placement for the five-syllable word authoritative?

  1. au-THOR-i-ta-tiveAnswer
  2. B
    AU-thor-i-ta-tive
  3. C
    au-thor-I-ta-tive
  4. D
    au-thor-i-TA-tive

Answer

au-THOR-i-ta-tive
The correct primary stress placement for 'authoritative' is on the second syllable, rendered as 'au-THOR-i-ta-tive' (/əˈθɒr.ɪ.tə.tɪv/).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Divide the word 'authoritative' into its constituent syllables.
The word consists of five syllables: au-thor-i-ta-tive.
Correct syllabification is necessary to identify stress position.
2
Apply English stress rules for adjectives derived from 'authority' containing the suffix '-ative'.
The primary stress remains on the second syllable, 'THOR' (/əˈθɒr.ɪ.tə.tɪv/).
Polysyllabic words derived from 'authority' retain stress on the second syllable despite suffixation.

Key Concept

Polysyllabic Word Stress Placement
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Word and Syllable Stress

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