How Many Syllables In Athletic?
3syllables
Athletic has 3 syllables, ath-let-ic. It is a trisyllabic word.
athletic
/æθˈlet.ɪk/ UK /æθˈlet.ɪk/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, let.
Syllable Structure
VC/CVC/VC
Division By Sound
/æθ.let.ɪk/
Division By Letters
ath-let-ic
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Athletic
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | æ | θ | VC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | l | e | t | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ɪ | k | VC | closed |
Why Athletic Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /t/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in athletic?
Athletic has 3 syllables, ath-let-ic. In British English it is transcribed /æθˈlet.ɪk/.
Which syllable is stressed in athletic?
The second syllable, let, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of athletic?
Athletic has the structure VC/CVC/VC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide athletic into syllables?
By sound, æθ.let.ɪk. By letters, as a spelling guide, ath-let-ic.