word stress

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noun

the stress pattern or patterns associated with the words of a particular language when they are considered in isolation.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Also called word accent.

Compare sentence stress.

Origin of word stress

First recorded in 1910–15

Words nearby word stress

words of one syllable, in, word square, words stick in one's throat, wordstock, words to that effect, word stress, Wordsworth, Wordsworth, William, word time, word wrap, word wrapping

How to use word stress in a sentence

Obsessive exercising and inadequate nutrition can, over time, put people at high risk for overuse injuries like stress fractures.
How Skinny Is Too Skinny? Israel Bans ‘Underweight’ Models|Carrie Arnold|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
This is acting in every sense of the word—bringing an unevolved animal to life and making it utterly believable.
Oscars 2015: The Daily Beast’s Picks, From Scarlett Johansson to ‘Boyhood’|Marlow Stern|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
She vowed to repay the money—no official word, however, on whether she ever did that.
Fergie Dives Into Prince Andrew’s Sex Scandal|Tom Sykes|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST
But news of the classes is spread mainly by word of mouth, and participants bring along their friends and families.
Iran’s Becoming a Footloose Nation as Dance Lessons Spread|IranWire|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST

Yes, cops are under stress and tension (though their jobs are far less dangerous than normally supposed).
We Need Our Police to Be Better Than This|Nick Gillespie|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Not a word now,” cried Longcluse harshly, extending his hand quickly towards him; “I may do that which can't be undone.
Checkmate|Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
Every word that now fell from the agitated Empress was balm to the affrighted nerves of her daughter.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
When we were mounted Mac leaned over and muttered an admonitory word for Piegan's ear alone.
Raw Gold|Bertrand W. Sinclair
Now for the tempering of the Gudgeons, I leave it to the judgment of the Workman; but a word or two of the polishing of it.
Tintinnalogia, or, the Art of Ringing|Richard Duckworth and Fabian Stedman
Huxley quotes with satirical gusto Dr. Wace's declaration as to the word "Infidel."
God and my Neighbour|Robert Blatchford

British Dictionary definitions for word stress

word stress

noun

the stress accent on the syllables of individual words either in a sentence or in isolation

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012