What is first and second syllable stressed mean?

"First and second syllable stressed" means that the emphasis or accent in a word falls on both the first and second syllables. This is also known as double stress.

Here's a breakdown:

* Syllable: A single unit of pronunciation within a word.

* Stress: The emphasis or prominence placed on a syllable within a word.

Examples:

* "CON-tra-dict" (first and second syllable stressed)

* "in-TER-pret" (second and third syllable stressed)

* "RE-al-ize" (first and third syllable stressed)

Why is double stress important?

Double stress can:

* Clarify meaning: It can help distinguish between words that sound similar but have different meanings, like "CON-tract" and "con-TRACT"

* Add emphasis: It can highlight specific parts of a word or phrase, making it sound more forceful or assertive.

* Create a rhythm: It can contribute to the overall rhythm and flow of language.

Note: Not all words have double stress. Most words have only one stressed syllable.