How Many Syllables In Denial?
3syllables
Denial has 3 syllables, de-ni-al. It is a trisyllabic word.
denial
/dɪˈnaɪ.əl/ UK /dɪˈnaɪ.əl/ US
Denial can also be said with 2 syllables (UK /dɪˈnaɪəl/).
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, ni.
Syllable Structure
CV/CV/VC
Division By Sound
/dɪ.naɪ.əl/
Division By Letters
de-ni-al
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Denial
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 | n | aɪ | – | CV | open |
| 3 | – | ə | l | VC | closed |
Why Denial Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /n/ 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 | /dɪˈnaɪ.əl/ | /dɪˈnaɪ.əl/ | 3 |
| Also | /dɪˈnaɪəl/ | 2 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in denial?
Denial has 3 syllables, de-ni-al. In British English it is transcribed /dɪˈnaɪ.əl/.
Which syllable is stressed in denial?
The second syllable, ni, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of denial?
Denial has the structure CV/CV/VC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide denial into syllables?
By sound, dɪ.naɪ.əl. By letters, as a spelling guide, de-ni-al.