How Many Syllables In Defence?
2syllables
Defence has 2 syllables, de-fence. It is a disyllabic word.
defence
/dɪˈfens/ UK /dɪˈfens/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, fence.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVCC
Division By Sound
/dɪ.fens/
Division By Letters
de-fence
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Defence
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | d | ɪ | – | CV | open |
| 2 primary stress | f | e | ns | CVCC | closed |
Why Defence Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /f/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in defence?
Defence has 2 syllables, de-fence. In British English it is transcribed /dɪˈfens/.
Which syllable is stressed in defence?
The second syllable, fence, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of defence?
Defence has the structure CV/CVCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide defence into syllables?
By sound, dɪ.fens. By letters, as a spelling guide, de-fence.