How Many Syllables In Interfere?
3syllables
Interfere has 3 syllables, in-ter-fere. It is a trisyllabic word.
interfere
/ˌɪn.təˈfɪə/ UK /ˌɪn.t̬ɚˈfɪr/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, fere.
Syllable Structure
VC/CV/CV
Division By Sound
/ɪn.tə.fɪə/
Division By Letters
in-ter-fere
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Interfere
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 secondary stress | – | ɪ | n | VC | closed |
| 2 | t | ə | – | CV | open |
| 3 primary stress | f | ɪə | – | CV | open |
Why Interfere Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /f/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in interfere?
Interfere has 3 syllables, in-ter-fere. In British English it is transcribed /ˌɪn.təˈfɪə/.
Which syllable is stressed in interfere?
The third syllable, fere, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of interfere?
Interfere has the structure VC/CV/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide interfere into syllables?
By sound, ɪn.tə.fɪə. By letters, as a spelling guide, in-ter-fere.