How Many Syllables In Forgiveness?
3syllables
Forgiveness has 3 syllables, for-give-ness. It is a trisyllabic word.
forgiveness
/fəˈɡɪv.nəs/ UK /fɚˈɡɪv.nəs/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, give.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/CVC
Division By Sound
/fə.ɡɪv.nəs/
Division By Letters
for-give-ness
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Forgiveness
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | f | ə | – | CV | open |
| 2 primary stress | ɡ | ɪ | v | CVC | closed |
| 3 | n | ə | s | CVC | closed |
Why Forgiveness Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /ɡ/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /v/.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /fəˈɡɪv.nəs/ | /fɚˈɡɪv.nəs/ | 3 |
| Also | /fəˈɡɪv.nɪs/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in forgiveness?
Forgiveness has 3 syllables, for-give-ness. In British English it is transcribed /fəˈɡɪv.nəs/.
Which syllable is stressed in forgiveness?
The second syllable, give, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of forgiveness?
Forgiveness has the structure CV/CVC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide forgiveness into syllables?
By sound, fə.ɡɪv.nəs. By letters, as a spelling guide, for-give-ness.