tireless
PronouncedTEYE-er-luhs
adjectiveNever getting tired or stopping trying, even when something is very hard.
Syllables
3 syllables
Letters
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: Letter T
Sound“t”·/t/
The letter T makes the /t/ sound, like in 'top', 'tap', and 'ten'. The tongue tip taps behind the upper teeth.
T is a voiceless alveolar stop. The tongue tip touches the ridge behind the upper teeth and releases with a puff of air. Double T (tt) makes the same /t/ sound.
Tip
T taps — touch your tongue to make /t/!
Examples
Phonics Rule: R-Controlled IRE
Sound“ire”·/aɪər/
IRE makes the “ire” sound, like in 'fire', 'tire', and 'hire'.
IRE says “ire” (like 'eye' + 'er'): fire, tire, hire, wire, desire, entire, admire.
Tip
The fire is higher — fire, tire, wire!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Suffix -LESS
Sound“liss”·/lɪs/
The suffix -LESS means 'without'. It turns a noun or verb into an adjective.
-LESS means without: helpless = without help, fearless = without fear, careless = without care. It is always pronounced “liss” and never changes the spelling of the base word.
Tip
-LESS means without — helpless means without help!
Examples
What is SnapPhonics?
A phonics reference for teachers, parents and learners. Every English word, broken into the sounds that make it — with audio, syllables, and the rule behind each spelling.
Save words to study lists, build flashcard decks, and scan your own worksheets and books.