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Wonder Words

Stress Patterns

3-Syllable Words

Pattern

In words of 3 or more syllables, stress usually falls
on the syllable immediately before the suffix.
The chart below shows exceptions to this pattern.

Stress falls
on the suffix.
Stress falls 2 syllables
before the suffix.
-ee -ate
employée
referée
refugée
verbs
to appréciate
to inítiate
to óperate
nouns, adjectives
certíficate
délicate
-eer -ize
auctionéer
enginéer
voluntéer
verbs
to apólogize
to áuthorize
to récognize
exceptions
-ee
 
commíttee