How Many Syllables In Obsession?
3syllables
Obsession has 3 syllables, ob-sess-ion. It is a trisyllabic word.
obsession
/əbˈseʃ.ən/ UK /əbˈseʃ.ən/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, sess.
Syllable Structure
VC/CVC/VC
Division By Sound
/əb.seʃ.ən/
Division By Letters
ob-sess-ion
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Obsession
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | ə | b | VC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | s | e | ʃ | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | n | VC | closed |
Why Obsession Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /s/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /ʃ/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in obsession?
Obsession has 3 syllables, ob-sess-ion. In British English it is transcribed /əbˈseʃ.ən/.
Which syllable is stressed in obsession?
The second syllable, sess, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of obsession?
Obsession has the structure VC/CVC/VC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide obsession into syllables?
By sound, əb.seʃ.ən. By letters, as a spelling guide, ob-sess-ion.