How Many Syllables In Compassionate?
4syllables
Compassionate has 4 syllables, com-pass-io-nate. It is a polysyllabic word.
compassionate
/kəmˈpæʃ.ə.nət/ UK /kəmˈpæʃ.ə.nət/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, pass.
Syllable Structure
CVC/CVC/V/CVC
Division By Sound
/kəm.pæʃ.ə.nət/
Division By Letters
com-pass-io-nate
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Compassionate
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | k | ə | m | CVC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | p | æ | ʃ | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 4 | n | ə | t | CVC | closed |
Why Compassionate Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /p/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /æ/, so it keeps a coda /ʃ/.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /n/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in compassionate?
Compassionate has 4 syllables, com-pass-io-nate. In British English it is transcribed /kəmˈpæʃ.ə.nət/.
Which syllable is stressed in compassionate?
The second syllable, pass, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of compassionate?
Compassionate has the structure CVC/CVC/V/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide compassionate into syllables?
By sound, kəm.pæʃ.ə.nət. By letters, as a spelling guide, com-pass-io-nate.
Other Words With Four Syllables
denotationespeciallyhyperbatonintroductionnaturalismpositivelyreluctantlysupremacyaccommodateappropriate