How Many Syllables In Malicious?
3syllables
Malicious has 3 syllables, ma-lic-ious. It is a trisyllabic word.
malicious
/məˈlɪʃ.əs/ UK /məˈlɪʃ.əs/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, lic.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/VC
Division By Sound
/mə.lɪʃ.əs/
Division By Letters
ma-lic-ious
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Malicious
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | m | ə | – | CV | open |
| 2 primary stress | l | ɪ | ʃ | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | s | VC | closed |
Why Malicious Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /l/ 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/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in malicious?
Malicious has 3 syllables, ma-lic-ious. In British English it is transcribed /məˈlɪʃ.əs/.
Which syllable is stressed in malicious?
The second syllable, lic, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of malicious?
Malicious has the structure CV/CVC/VC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide malicious into syllables?
By sound, mə.lɪʃ.əs. By letters, as a spelling guide, ma-lic-ious.