Choose the option that shows the correct stress pattern for the capitalized word:
RESPONSIBILITY
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. re-spon-si-BIL-i-ty on the fourth syllable
- Step 1: Words ending in '-ity' place primary stress on the antepenultimate syllable (third from the end).
- Step 2: In 're-spon-si-bil-i-ty' (6 syllables), counting back: 6th -ty, 5th -i-, 4th -BIL-. Primary stress falls on 'BIL': /rɪˌspɒn.sɪˈbɪl.ə.ti/.
Answer
re-spon-si-BIL-i-ty.
Why not the others: The antepenultimate rule mandates stress on 'BIL'.
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