How Many Syllables In Deficient?
3syllables
Deficient has 3 syllables, de-fic-ient. It is a trisyllabic word.
deficient
/dɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/ UK /dɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, fic.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/VCC
Division By Sound
/dɪ.fɪʃ.ənt/
Division By Letters
de-fic-ient
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Deficient
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 | ɪ | ʃ | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | nt | VCC | closed |
Why Deficient Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /f/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /ʃ/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in deficient?
Deficient has 3 syllables, de-fic-ient. In British English it is transcribed /dɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/.
Which syllable is stressed in deficient?
The second syllable, fic, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of deficient?
Deficient has the structure CV/CVC/VCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide deficient into syllables?
By sound, dɪ.fɪʃ.ənt. By letters, as a spelling guide, de-fic-ient.