The mark tells you that the first syllable of the word is stressed.
In English, there is no standard mark to indicate which syllable of a word is stressed. However, some dictionaries and pronunciation guides may use symbols such as an apostrophe (') or a bold font to indicate the stressed syllable. For example, in the word "example," the stressed syllable is "ex-'am-ple." Note that different variations of English may have different stress patterns, so it is always helpful to consult the specific pronunciation guide or dictionary for accurate stress information.
When it comes to determining the stress of a word, there are a few general rules to consider:
1. Words with only one syllable are typically stressed. For example, "cat" and "dog" have a naturally stressed first syllable.
2. In words with more than one syllable, stress often falls on the root or main part of the word. For example, in "locate," the stress falls on the second syllable "cate," which is the root.
3. Certain prefixes and suffixes can affect word stress. For example, when the prefix "re-" is added to a word, it usually doesn't change the stress pattern. So, in "relocate," the stress is still on the second syllable "cate."
4. Compound words often have stress on the first syllable of each individual word. For example, in "blackbird," both "black" and "bird" are stressed.
5. Words with similar spelling patterns often have similar stress patterns. However, there may be exceptions, so it's always a good idea to consult a dictionary for clarification.
Please note that these are general guidelines, and there can be exceptions or variations in specific words or accents. If you have a specific word in mind, feel free to ask, and I can provide the step-by-step stress analysis for that particular word.
To determine which syllable in a word is stressed, you can look for specific indicators, such as the presence of a mark. In this case, you mentioned that a mark is used to indicate that the first syllable of the word is stressed.
However, it's important to note that not all words have marks or explicit indicators for stress. In English, stress patterns can vary and often depend on the word's origin, spelling, and pronunciation.
To identify the stressed syllable in a word without a mark, you can follow these general guidelines:
1. Check the dictionary: Look up the word in a reputable dictionary that provides phonetic transcriptions or stress patterns. Most dictionaries indicate the stressed syllable by using bold or capital letters, an apostrophe ('), or a diacritic mark (such as a vertical line or acute accent).
2. Common rules for syllable stress: While there are exceptions, there are some common patterns to understand where stress usually falls in English words:
- Most two-syllable nouns and adjectives are stressed on the first syllable (e.g., "table," "happy").
- Most two-syllable verbs are stressed on the second syllable (e.g., "expect," "believe").
- Compound words often have primary stress on the first syllable of the first word and secondary stress on the first syllable of the second word (e.g., "blackboard," "sunset").
- Prefixes and suffixes can also affect stress. For example, in words with prefixes like "un-" or "dis-" and suffixes like "-ic" or "-ity," the primary stress usually falls on the syllable following these affixes (e.g., "unhappy," "elasticity").
3. Listen for natural speech: Pronouncing the word aloud and paying attention to how native speakers say it can also help identify which syllable is stressed. Native speakers often naturally emphasize stressed syllables, making them sound louder, longer, or higher in pitch than unstressed syllables.
Remember, these guidelines provide general patterns, but there are exceptions due to variations in accents, regional dialects, and loanwords from other languages. Consulting a reliable dictionary is the best way to confirm the correct stress pattern of a specific word.