How Many Syllables In Obstinate?
3syllables
Obstinate has 3 syllables, ob-sti-nate. It is a trisyllabic word.
obstinate
/ˈɒb.stɪ.nət/ UK /ˈɑːb.stə.nət/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, ob.
Syllable Structure
VC/CCV/CVC
Division By Sound
/ɒb.stɪ.nət/
Division By Letters
ob-sti-nate
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Obstinate
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 | – | ɒ | b | VC | closed |
| 2 | st | ɪ | – | CCV | open |
| 3 | n | ə | t | CVC | closed |
Why Obstinate Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /b/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /n/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˈɒb.stɪ.nət/ | /ˈɑːb.stə.nət/ | 3 |
| Also | /ˈɒb.stɪ.nɪt/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in obstinate?
Obstinate has 3 syllables, ob-sti-nate. In British English it is transcribed /ˈɒb.stɪ.nət/.
Which syllable is stressed in obstinate?
The first syllable, ob, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of obstinate?
Obstinate has the structure VC/CCV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide obstinate into syllables?
By sound, ɒb.stɪ.nət. By letters, as a spelling guide, ob-sti-nate.