How Many Syllables In Efficiency?
4syllables
Efficiency has 4 syllables, e-ffic-ien-cy. It is a polysyllabic word.
efficiency
/ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/ UK /ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, ffic.
Syllable Structure
V/CVC/VC/CV
Division By Sound
/ɪ.fɪʃ.ən.si/
Division By Letters
e-ffic-ien-cy
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Efficiency
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | ɪ | – | V | open |
| 2 primary stress | f | ɪ | ʃ | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | n | VC | closed |
| 4 | s | i | – | CV | open |
Why Efficiency 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/.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /s/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in efficiency?
Efficiency has 4 syllables, e-ffic-ien-cy. In British English it is transcribed /ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/.
Which syllable is stressed in efficiency?
The second syllable, ffic, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of efficiency?
Efficiency has the structure V/CVC/VC/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide efficiency into syllables?
By sound, ɪ.fɪʃ.ən.si. By letters, as a spelling guide, e-ffic-ien-cy.
Other Words With Four Syllables
fertiliserinfuriatemagnificentpanaceapsychiatristsatisfactionunofficialallocationbrother-in-lawconstitution