What type of syllable is referred to as the stressed syllable?

The term "stressed syllable" specifically denotes the syllable in a word that carries the most emphasis during pronunciation. In phonetics, a primary syllable refers to the syllable that receives the primary stress, making it the most prominent part of the word's rhythm and the one that is typically louder, longer, and pronounced with a higher pitch compared to others.

Recognizing a primary syllable is crucial in understanding the prosody of speech. For example, in the word "banana," the second syllable is stressed, meaning it is the primary syllable. This emphasis affects how words are perceived and understood, as it can change meanings and improve clarity. Understanding primary syllables is fundamental in phonetics and can enhance one's ability to pronounce words correctly and communicate effectively.