How Many Syllables In Defiance?
3syllables
Defiance has 3 syllables, de-fi-ance. It is a trisyllabic word.
defiance
/dɪˈfaɪ.əns/ UK /dɪˈfaɪ.əns/ US
Defiance can also be said with 2 syllables (UK /dɪˈfaɪəns/).
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, fi.
Syllable Structure
CV/CV/VCC
Division By Sound
/dɪ.faɪ.əns/
Division By Letters
de-fi-ance
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Defiance
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 | aɪ | – | CV | open |
| 3 | – | ə | ns | VCC | closed |
Why Defiance Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /f/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Two vowels meet between syllables 2 and 3, so syllable 3 has no onset.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /dɪˈfaɪ.əns/ | /dɪˈfaɪ.əns/ | 3 |
| Also | /dɪˈfaɪəns/ | 2 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in defiance?
Defiance has 3 syllables, de-fi-ance. In British English it is transcribed /dɪˈfaɪ.əns/.
Which syllable is stressed in defiance?
The second syllable, fi, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of defiance?
Defiance has the structure CV/CV/VCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide defiance into syllables?
By sound, dɪ.faɪ.əns. By letters, as a spelling guide, de-fi-ance.