How Many Syllables In Annihilate?
3syllables
Annihilate has 3 syllables, a-nnihi-late. It is a trisyllabic word.
annihilate
/əˈnaɪə.leɪt/ UK /əˈnaɪ.ə.leɪt/ US
Annihilate can also be said with 4 syllables (UK /əˈnaɪ.ə.leɪt/).
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, nnihi.
Syllable Structure
V/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/ə.naɪə.leɪt/
Division By Letters
a-nnihi-late
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Annihilate
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 | n | aɪə | – | CV | open |
| 3 | l | eɪ | t | CVC | closed |
Why Annihilate Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /n/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /əˈnaɪə.leɪt/ | /əˈnaɪ.ə.leɪt/ | 3 |
| Also | /əˈnaɪ.ə.leɪt/ | 4 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in annihilate?
Annihilate has 3 syllables, a-nnihi-late. In British English it is transcribed /əˈnaɪə.leɪt/.
Which syllable is stressed in annihilate?
The second syllable, nnihi, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of annihilate?
Annihilate has the structure V/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide annihilate into syllables?
By sound, ə.naɪə.leɪt. By letters, as a spelling guide, a-nnihi-late.