Longest One-Syllable Word in English

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The longest one-syllable word in the English language is often debated among linguists and word enthusiasts. However, according to various sources, the longest one-syllable word that meets this criterion is “strengths”.

What makes it the longest?

To understand why “strengths” qualifies as the longest one-syllable word, let’s break down its syllable structure.

Phonemes	Syllables
str-en-gth- (ˈstrɛŋθ)	1

The word “strengths” has only one syllable, and it is pronounced as /ˈstrɛŋθ/. This might seem counterintuitive, given that the word appears to have multiple stressed sounds. However, in linguistics, a syllable is defined by its underlying phonological structure rather than its surface-level pronunciation.

Other contenders

Some other words often cited as potential candidates for the longest one-syllable word include:

Word	Syllables
strength	1
length	1

However, upon closer examination, these words either have multiple syllables or are not truly one-syllable.

Conclusion

While there may be some debate among linguists regarding the classification of certain words, “strengths” stands out as a clear example of a one-syllable word with an unusually high number of phonemes. Its unique combination of sounds makes it a fascinating case study for those interested in the intricacies of the English language.

Example sentences

Here are some example sentences to illustrate how “strengths” can be used in context:

• The company’s greatest strength is its diverse team.
• Her strengths lie in her ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.

These examples demonstrate how “strengths” can be used as a noun or a verb, highlighting its versatility and utility in everyday language.