Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not bearing a stress or accent: In linguistics, this describes a syllable, vowel, or word that is pronounced with less force or prominence than a stressed one.
   • Not subjected to stress or pressure: In a general context, it can describe something not under physical strain or mental anxiety.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective (Linguistics):
  • In the word "record" (noun), the first syllable is unstressed.
  • The unstressed vowel in "sofa" is often pronounced as a schwa (/ə/).
• Adjective (General):
  • The bridge was designed to remain unstressed under normal loads.
  • She felt unstressed and relaxed during her vacation.

Advanced Usage

• "Unstressed position": In poetry or phonology, refers to a syllable that does not carry the metrical beat.
  • Iambic pentameter alternates between unstressed and stressed syllables.
• "Lexically unstressed": A term in linguistics for words (like articles or prepositions) that typically do not receive stress in a sentence.
  • Function words like "the" and "of" are often lexically unstressed.

Variants and Related Words

• Unstress (verb, rare): To not place stress on; to pronounce without emphasis.
  • Some speakers unstress that syllable.
• Stress (noun/verb): The opposite concept; the emphasis or pressure applied.

Synonyms

• Unaccented: Having no accent or stress.
• Atonic: Lacking stress or tone (a more technical synonym).
• Relaxed: (In the general sense) Free from tension or anxiety.

Antonyms

• Stressed: Subjected to pressure or bearing linguistic accent.
• Accented: Having a stress or accent mark.
• Tense: Under strain or pressure.

Adjective

1. not bearing a stress or accent
   • short vowels are unstressed