How Many Syllables In Embarrassment?
4syllables
Embarrassment has 4 syllables, em-barr-a-ssment. It is a polysyllabic word.
embarrassment
/ɪmˈbær.əs.mənt/ UK /ɪmˈber.əs.mənt/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, barr.
Syllable Structure
VC/CVC/VC/CVCC
Division By Sound
/ɪm.bær.əs.mənt/
Division By Letters
em-barr-a-ssment
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Embarrassment
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 | m | VC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | b | æ | r | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | s | VC | closed |
| 4 | m | ə | nt | CVCC | closed |
Why Embarrassment Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /b/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /æ/, so it keeps a coda /r/.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /m/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in embarrassment?
Embarrassment has 4 syllables, em-barr-a-ssment. In British English it is transcribed /ɪmˈbær.əs.mənt/.
Which syllable is stressed in embarrassment?
The second syllable, barr, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of embarrassment?
Embarrassment has the structure VC/CVC/VC/CVCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide embarrassment into syllables?
By sound, ɪm.bær.əs.mənt. By letters, as a spelling guide, em-barr-a-ssment.