How Many Syllables In Approximate?
4syllables
Approximate has 4 syllables, a-pprox-i-mate. It is a polysyllabic word.
approximate
/əˈprɒk.sɪ.mət/ UK /əˈprɑːk.sə.mət/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, pprox.
Syllable Structure
V/CCVC/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/ə.prɒk.sɪ.mət/
Division By Letters
a-pprox-i-mate
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Approximate
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 | pr | ɒ | k | CCVC | closed |
| 3 | s | ɪ | – | CV | open |
| 4 | m | ə | t | CVC | closed |
Why Approximate Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /pr/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /k/.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /m/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjective | /əˈprɒk.sɪ.mət/ | /əˈprɑːk.sə.mət/ | 4 |
| Adjective | /əˈprɒk.sɪ.mɪt/ | 4 | |
| Verb | /əˈprɒk.sɪ.meɪt/ | /əˈprɑːk.sə.meɪt/ | 4 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in approximate?
Approximate has 4 syllables, a-pprox-i-mate. In British English it is transcribed /əˈprɒk.sɪ.mət/.
Which syllable is stressed in approximate?
The second syllable, pprox, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of approximate?
Approximate has the structure V/CCVC/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide approximate into syllables?
By sound, ə.prɒk.sɪ.mət. By letters, as a spelling guide, a-pprox-i-mate.