A syllable is the smallest unit of pronunciation that contains a vowel sound. While roots can be considered the core of a word, they often need a vowel to be pronounced.
Here's a breakdown:
* Root: The basic meaning unit of a word.
* Vowel: A sound that is produced without obstructing the flow of air from the mouth.
* Syllable: A unit of pronunciation containing a vowel sound.
For example, in the word "cat," the root is "cat" and the vowel is "a". Together, they form one syllable.