How Many Syllables In Operative?
4syllables
Operative has 4 syllables, op-er-a-tive. It is a polysyllabic word.
operative
/ˈɒp.ər.ə.tɪv/ UK /ˈɑː.pɚ.ə.t̬ɪv/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, op.
Syllable Structure
VC/VC/V/CVC
Division By Sound
/ɒp.ər.ə.tɪv/
Division By Letters
op-er-a-tive
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Operative
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 | p | VC | closed |
| 2 | – | ə | r | VC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 4 | t | ɪ | v | CVC | closed |
Why Operative Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /p/.
- Syllable 2 ends in /r/ because the next syllable cannot take it as an onset here.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in operative?
Operative has 4 syllables, op-er-a-tive. In British English it is transcribed /ˈɒp.ər.ə.tɪv/.
Which syllable is stressed in operative?
The first syllable, op, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of operative?
Operative has the structure VC/VC/V/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide operative into syllables?
By sound, ɒp.ər.ə.tɪv. By letters, as a spelling guide, op-er-a-tive.