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