Here's a breakdown:
* Syllable: A unit of pronunciation consisting of a single vowel sound, with or without surrounding consonants.
* Stress: The emphasis or force given to a syllable during pronunciation.
In a word with multiple syllables, one or more syllables will be stressed, while others will be unstressed. The stressed syllable is typically pronounced louder and longer than the unstressed syllables.
Examples:
* "Happy": The first syllable ("hap") is stressed, while the second syllable ("py") is unstressed.
* "Beautiful": The second syllable ("ti") is stressed, while the first syllable ("beau") and the third syllable ("ful") are unstressed.
* "Information": The third syllable ("ma") is stressed, while the first ("in") and second ("for") syllables are unstressed.
How to identify unstressed syllables:
* Listen carefully: Pay attention to how the word is pronounced. The unstressed syllables will sound softer and shorter.
* Look for patterns: Certain syllable combinations often indicate an unstressed syllable. For instance, "un" and "ed" are often unstressed.
* Consult a dictionary: Many dictionaries will indicate the stressed syllables in a word using an accent mark (').
Understanding unstressed syllables is crucial for proper pronunciation and for understanding the rhythm and intonation of spoken language.