What does it actually mean for a syllable to be stressed? Is it a difference in pitch? Duration of pronunciation? Volume?

I only see words like "emphasis" when I search for it. "Emphasis" in what regard? "Emphasis" is very vague.

I have no problem identifying stresses in multisyllabic words, but I have a hard time with monosyllables because I simply don't know what I'm looking for.

Question

What does it actually mean for a syllable to be stressed? Is it a difference in pitch? Duration of pronunciation? Volume?

I only see words like "emphasis" when I search for it. "Emphasis" in what regard? "Emphasis" is very vague.

I have no problem identifying stresses in multisyllabic words, but I have a hard time with monosyllables because I simply don't know what I'm looking for.

anonymous · Answer

Stress can actually mean all of those things. Stressed can be an increase in pitch, duration and force. All language has a sense of rhythm and melody. Monosyllables become stresses by isolation. They blend with the nearest word and lose part of their original sound. http://www.scribd.com/doc/36064765/3/Word-Stress-Monosyllabic-Words