What is Word Stress?
Word stress is the emphasis given on a particular syllable of a word so as to make its meaning clear and distinguished from other words. Not all languages use word stress though. Japanese and French for instance use equal emphasis on all the syllables of a word. In English, word stress is a vital key in understanding and being understood by others who also use the English language. A good example of an English word where word stress is very important is the word 'rebel'. By looking at its spelling alone, you wouldn't know if it is used as a verb or a noun. However, if it is said, depending on where the speaker puts the stress on it, you would immediately know its meaning.
