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