Definition

Not having emphasis or pressure placed on it, often used in linguistics to describe syllables that are not accented.

Example

In the word 'banana', the second syllable is unstressed.

Conversation

I learned that in poetry, some syllables are unstressed.

Really? I never knew that made such a difference in how it sounds.

Yeah, it helps create a nice rhythm when reading aloud.

That makes sense! I should pay more attention to those details next time.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unstressed → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "stressed" (from Latin "stringere", meaning to draw tight). The word "unstressed" means not drawn tight or not emphasized, particularly in the context of syllables in language.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being applied to something that is 'tight' or 'emphasized' ('stressed'). This helps you remember that 'unstressed' refers to something that is not emphasized.

Visually Confused Words