5 exercises on first-element stress in compound technical nouns.
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Where does the main stress fall in the compound noun "database"?
In database /ˈdeɪtəbeɪs/ the primary stress falls on the first syllable: DA-ta-base. This follows the general English rule that compound nouns are stressed on their first element ("DATA" + "base"). So you say "the DA-tabase", not "data-BASE". The same first-element stress appears in "DATA-center", "DATA-set" and "DATA-type". The first syllable "DA" also keeps a full vowel /eɪ/ (or /æ/ in some US speech), while later syllables reduce. Stressing the wrong part ("data-BASE") sounds distinctly non-native.
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Where is the stress in the compound word "framework"?
In framework /ˈfreɪmwɜːk/ the stress falls on the first element: FRAME-work. As a compound noun (frame + work), it follows the first-element stress rule. So "the FRAME-work", "a web FRAME-work", "testing FRAME-work" — always stress "FRAME". The second part "work" is unstressed and slightly reduced. This mirrors other compounds like "HOME-work", "NET-work" and "GROUND-work", all stressed on the first part. Avoid an even, "frame-WORK" rhythm.
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How is "backend" stressed in standard tech speech?
In backend /ˈbækend/ the stress falls on the first element: BACK-end. As a compound noun (back + end), it takes first-element stress: "the BACK-end", "a BACK-end engineer", "BACK-end services". The same applies to its partner "FRONT-end" — stressed on "FRONT". So a "full-stack" developer works on both the "FRONT-end" and the "BACK-end", each stressed on the first part. The "-end" portion is unstressed. Saying "back-END" with end-stress sounds unnatural in developer English.
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Where does the primary stress fall in "open source" (used attributively, e.g. "an open-source project")?
When used as a compound modifier, open-source typically takes its primary stress on the first element: Open-source — "an OPEN-source project". This is the usual compound-adjective pattern, where the first word carries the main beat (compare "HIGH-level", "REAL-time", "OPEN-plan"). The word "open" itself is stressed on its own first syllable (O-pen /ˈəʊpən/). So altogether: "OH-pen-source". (Note: as a free phrase meaning "the source is open", you might stress "source" more, but the fixed tech term is first-element stressed.)
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What is the general stress rule for English compound nouns like "database" and "framework"?
The general rule is that English compound nouns are stressed on their FIRST element. That is why we say DATAbase, FRAMEwork, BACKend, KEYboard, SOFTware, HARDware and SOURCE code — the main beat lands on the opening part. This contrasts with ordinary adjective+noun phrases, where the noun is usually stressed ("a black BOARD" the colour, versus "BLACK-board" the object). Applying first-element stress to compound tech terms instantly makes your pronunciation sound more natural and is one of the highest-impact rules to learn.