What is the term for the part of a syllable that comes before the vowel?

The part of a syllable that comes before the vowel is known as the onset. This term refers specifically to the consonant sounds that precede the vowel sound within a syllable. For example, in the word "cat," the onset is the "c" sound, while the vowel sound is the "a." Understanding the concept of an onset is essential in phonics and reading instruction, as it helps students break down and decode words.

The other terms listed do not accurately describe the portion of the syllable that occurs before the vowel. Rime refers to the part of the syllable that includes the vowel and any following consonants. Syllabication is the process of dividing words into syllables, while a compound word consists of two or more smaller words combined to create a new word. These definitions clarify why the onset is the correct term for the part preceding the vowel.