polysyllabic

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English

Etymology

poly- +‎ syllabic

Pronunciation

  • Lua error in Module:parameters at line 290: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "RP" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˌpɒ.lɪ.sɪˈlæ.bɪk/
  • Lua error in Module:parameters at line 290: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "AusE" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˌpɔ.lɪ.sɪˈlæ.bɪk/
  • Lua error in Module:parameters at line 290: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "GenAm" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˌpɑ.li.sɪˈlæ.bɪk/
  • Rhymes: -æbɪk
  • Audio (CA):(file)
  • Hyphenation: po‧ly‧syl‧la‧bic

Adjective

polysyllabic (not comparable)

  1. (of a word) Having more than one syllable; having multiple or many syllables.
    "Antidisestablishmentarianism" definitely qualifies as a polysyllabic word.
    ‘Polysyllabic’ is a polysyllabic word.
  2. (of spoken or written language) Characterized by or consisting of words having numerous syllables.
    I have a particularly off-putting predilection for the utilization of ponderously polysyllabic linguistic constructions.

Usage notes

Authoritative sources disagree concerning the precise number of syllables needed for a word to count as polysyllabic. The references cited below variously stipulate anywhere from more than one syllable to four or more. In general usage, a polysyllabic word is a word which is regarded as lengthy and polysyllabic writing or speech is often regarded as elaborate, overly lengthy, or excessively complex.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Translations

Noun

polysyllabic (plural polysyllabics)

  1. A word having more than one syllable

References

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