Stress in language refers to the emphasis or prominence given to a particular syllable within a word. This prominence can be achieved through:
* Increased loudness: The stressed syllable is spoken louder than the others.
* Increased pitch: The stressed syllable has a higher pitch than the others.
* Increased duration: The stressed syllable is held for a longer time than the others.
Stress can change the meaning of a word. For example, the word "conduct" (as in a musical performance) has stress on the first syllable, while the word "conduct" (as in to lead or guide) has stress on the second syllable.
Therefore, a superior force of voice or articulative effort upon a particular syllable in a word is called stress.