Pronunciation: [wˈɜːd stɹˈɛs] (IPA) 
Word stress is the emphasis given to a syllable in a word. In phonetic transcription, the symbol ˈ (the stress mark) is placed before the stressed syllable. For example, the word stress is pronounced /strɛs/ and the stress is on the first syllable, so it is transcribed as /ˈwɜrd ˌstrɛs/. Understanding word stress is crucial in communicating effectively in English and can greatly impact the meaning of a word.
Word stress refers to the accentuation or emphasis placed on one syllable within a word. It is a feature of pronunciation that varies across different languages and plays a crucial role in communication and understanding. In English, word stress involves highlighting one specific syllable within a word, making it louder, longer, and higher in pitch compared to the other syllables.
Word stress can significantly impact the meaning, rhythm, and clarity of spoken language, as it helps to distinguish between words that are otherwise spelled or pronounced similarly. In English, stress patterns can vary depending on the part of speech or grammatical function of a word. For example, verbs often have stress on the second syllable, while nouns may have stress on the first syllable.
The correct placement of word stress is essential for effective verbal expression and comprehension. Misplaced stress can lead to confusion or misinterpretation, jeopardizing the overall meaning of a sentence. Native speakers intuitively understand the stress patterns in their language, while non-native speakers may need to learn and practice proper stress placement to sound more natural.
Understanding and applying word stress correctly is crucial for learners of any language, as it greatly enhances spoken communication and facilitates clearer understanding. By mastering the appropriate stress patterns, individuals can effectively convey their intended meaning and engage in successful verbal interactions.
The etymology of the term "word stress" can be traced back to the origins of the individual words involved.
The word "word" comes from the Old English language, specifically from the word "word" which meant "speech" or "utterance". It has Germanic roots and is related to the Old High German "wort" and the Gothic "waurd".
The word "stress" has a Latin origin, derived from the Latin word "strictus", which means "drawn tight" or "compressed". It was later used in Middle English with the sense of "difficulty" or "adversity" before adopting its modern-day meaning of pressure or strain.
Therefore, the term "word stress" combines the English word "word" with the Latin word "stress" to refer to the emphasis or prominence placed on specific syllables within words during speech.
