How Many Syllables In Imbecile?
3syllables
Imbecile has 3 syllables, im-be-cile. It is a trisyllabic word.
imbecile
/ˈɪm.bə.siːl/ UK /ˈɪm.bə.səl/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, im.
Syllable Structure
VC/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/ɪm.bə.siːl/
Division By Letters
im-be-cile
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Imbecile
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 primary stress | – | ɪ | m | VC | closed |
| 2 | b | ə | – | CV | open |
| 3 | s | iː | l | CVC | closed |
Why Imbecile Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /m/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /s/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in imbecile?
Imbecile has 3 syllables, im-be-cile. In British English it is transcribed /ˈɪm.bə.siːl/.
Which syllable is stressed in imbecile?
The first syllable, im, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of imbecile?
Imbecile has the structure VC/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide imbecile into syllables?
By sound, ɪm.bə.siːl. By letters, as a spelling guide, im-be-cile.