Which term refers to the emphasis placed on syllables or words?

Which term refers to the emphasis placed on syllables or words?

• A. Stress
• B. Intonation
• C. Morphemes
• D. Syntax

Answer: (A)

Emphasis placed on syllables or words is called stress. Stress means a syllable is pronounced louder, longer, or with a higher pitch, making that part of the word stand out when you speak. In multisyllabic words, the stressed syllable helps with correct pronunciation and can even help convey meaning or part of speech in some cases, such as the noun and verb forms of the word present where the stress shifts. Intonation, by contrast, is the rise and fall of pitch across a sentence to show questions, emphasis, or attitude, not the emphasis on a specific syllable. Morphemes are the smallest units of meaning, and syntax is the arrangement of words into sentences, so they describe different aspects of language mechanics.

Emphasis placed on syllables or words is called stress. Stress means a syllable is pronounced louder, longer, or with a higher pitch, making that part of the word stand out when you speak. In multisyllabic words, the stressed syllable helps with correct pronunciation and can even help convey meaning or part of speech in some cases, such as the noun and verb forms of the word present where the stress shifts. Intonation, by contrast, is the rise and fall of pitch across a sentence to show questions, emphasis, or attitude, not the emphasis on a specific syllable. Morphemes are the smallest units of meaning, and syntax is the arrangement of words into sentences, so they describe different aspects of language mechanics.