Which term refers to an unstressed syllable?

The term that accurately refers to an unstressed syllable is "Unstressed Syllable." In phonetics, syllables can be categorized based on their stress patterns. An unstressed syllable is one that does not carry the primary emphasis in pronunciation, meaning it is typically spoken more softly and quickly compared to stressed syllables.

In contrast, a stressed syllable receives greater emphasis, which can be indicated by a higher pitch, greater volume, or longer duration during speech. Understanding the distinction between stressed and unstressed syllables is crucial for analyzing speech patterns and rhythms in language.

The other terms provided do not accurately describe an unstressed syllable. A primary syllable is generally associated with the main emphasis in a word, while a stressed syllable also indicates emphasis or force in pronunciation. A secondary syllable may represent a level of stress that is less than primary stress but still carries some level of emphasis, which distinguishes it from an unstressed syllable.