Short Answer 
Polysyllabic words are those with three or more syllables, crucial for enhancing vocabulary and pronunciation. Familiarity with examples, such as “opportunity” and “accommodation,” along with understanding their stressed syllables (like in “hypothesis” – hy-POTH-e-sis), helps improve clarity in speech and writing.
Step 1: Understand Polysyllabic Words
A polysyllabic word is a word with more than one syllable, typically consisting of three or more syllables. This term comes from the Greek words “poly,” meaning many, and “syllable,” referring to a unit of sound. Recognizing these words is crucial for improving vocabulary and pronunciation skills.
Step 2: Identify Common Examples
Familiarizing yourself with examples helps reinforce understanding. Here are some common polysyllabic words:
- Interdisciplinary
- Opportunity
- Comprehensive
- Independent
- Conversation
- Accommodation
These words often present challenges in terms of pronunciation and spelling. Focusing on their stressed syllables will enhance clarity in speaking and writing.
Step 3: Explore the List of Stressed Syllables
Noting the stressed syllables in polysyllabic words is essential for proper pronunciation. Here is a list of 20 polysyllabic words along with their stressed syllables:
- Hypothesis – hy-POTH-e-sis
- Antagonist – an-TAG-o-nist
- Vulnerable – VUL-ne-ra-ble
- Disproportionate – dis-pro-POR-tion-ate
- Perseverance – per-se-VE-rance
- Articulate – ar-TIC-u-late
- Ambiguous – am-BIG-u-ous
- Comprehensive – com-pre-HEN-sive
- Inevitable – in-EV-i-ta-ble
- Exaggerate – ig-ZAJ-uh-reyt
- Polyphenomenal – pol-y-phe-nom-e-nal
- Extravagant – ex-tra-va-gant
- Hypothetical – hy-po-the-ti-cal
- Disproportional – dis-pro-por-tion-al
- Superfluous – su-per-flu-ous
- Incomprehensible – in-com-pre-hen-si-ble
- Multifaceted – mul-ti-fa-cet-ed
- Inevitable – in-ev-it-a-ble
- Complimentary – com-pli-men-ta-ry
- Indispensable – in-dis-pen-sa-ble
Reviewing such lists can significantly aid in improving language skills.