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prominence. A greater degree of prominence given to one or more
syllables in the word which singles it out through changes in the
pitch and intensity of the voice and results in qualitative and
quantative modifications of sounds in the accentuated syllable is
known a word stress ( or word accent).
English word stress is dynamic or force stress. It means, that
prominence of speech sounds in the word is achieved by greater
force of utterance as compared with that of the other syllables in
the same word.
Word accent in English is free or shifting ( Word stress
performs 3 basic functions:
1) constituitive , because it organizes a word as a complicated
sound unit;
2) recognitive , as it helps to recognize words;
3) distinctive, for it helps to distinguish words and their
grammar forms.
There are pairs of words of which one member is a noun
stressed on the first syllable, and the other a verb , stressed on the
second syllable. Examples of words in frequent use are :
abstract convert
accent convict
addict decrease
ally desert
attribute dictate
combine digest
compress discount
concert discourse
conduct entrance
conflict envelope (n)
conscript en’velop (v)
contest escort
contract essay
contrast exploit
converse export

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