How Many Syllables In Merely?
2syllables
Merely has 2 syllables, mere-ly. It is a disyllabic word.
merely
/ˈmɪə.li/ UK /ˈmɪr.li/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, mere.
Syllable Structure
CV/CV
Division By Sound
/mɪə.li/
Division By Letters
mere-ly
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Merely
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 | m | ɪə | – | CV | open |
| 2 | l | i | – | CV | open |
Why Merely Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in merely?
Merely has 2 syllables, mere-ly. In British English it is transcribed /ˈmɪə.li/.
Which syllable is stressed in merely?
The first syllable, mere, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of merely?
Merely has the structure CV/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide merely into syllables?
By sound, mɪə.li. By letters, as a spelling guide, mere-ly.