How Many Syllables In Adolescent?
4syllables
Adolescent has 4 syllables, ad-o-lesc-ent. It is a polysyllabic word.
adolescent
/ˌæd.əˈles.ənt/ UK /ˌæd.əˈles.ənt/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, lesc.
Syllable Structure
VC/V/CVC/VCC
Division By Sound
/æd.ə.les.ənt/
Division By Letters
ad-o-lesc-ent
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Adolescent
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 secondary stress | – | æ | d | VC | closed |
| 2 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 3 primary stress | l | e | s | CVC | closed |
| 4 | – | ə | nt | VCC | closed |
Why Adolescent Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /æ/, so it keeps a coda /d/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 3 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /s/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in adolescent?
Adolescent has 4 syllables, ad-o-lesc-ent. In British English it is transcribed /ˌæd.əˈles.ənt/.
Which syllable is stressed in adolescent?
The third syllable, lesc, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of adolescent?
Adolescent has the structure VC/V/CVC/VCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide adolescent into syllables?
By sound, æd.ə.les.ənt. By letters, as a spelling guide, ad-o-lesc-ent.
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