How Many Syllables In Affirmative?
4syllables
Affirmative has 4 syllables, a-ffir-ma-tive. It is a polysyllabic word.
affirmative
/əˈfɜː.mə.tɪv/ UK /əˈfɝː.mə.t̬ɪv/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, ffir.
Syllable Structure
V/CV/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/ə.fɜː.mə.tɪv/
Division By Letters
a-ffir-ma-tive
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Affirmative
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 2 primary stress | f | ɜː | – | CV | open |
| 3 | m | ə | – | CV | open |
| 4 | t | ɪ | v | CVC | closed |
Why Affirmative Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /f/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /m/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in affirmative?
Affirmative has 4 syllables, a-ffir-ma-tive. In British English it is transcribed /əˈfɜː.mə.tɪv/.
Which syllable is stressed in affirmative?
The second syllable, ffir, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of affirmative?
Affirmative has the structure V/CV/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide affirmative into syllables?
By sound, ə.fɜː.mə.tɪv. By letters, as a spelling guide, a-ffir-ma-tive.
Other Words With Four Syllables
benefactorcongratulatedisappointmentexperienceimpossiblekindergartenoperativeprimarilyresilienceulterior