How Many Syllables In Opposition?
4syllables
Opposition has 4 syllables, opp-o-sit-ion. It is a polysyllabic word.
opposition
/ˌɒp.əˈzɪʃ.ən/ UK /ˌɑː.pəˈzɪʃ.ən/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, sit.
Syllable Structure
VC/V/CVC/VC
Division By Sound
/ɒp.ə.zɪʃ.ən/
Division By Letters
opp-o-sit-ion
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Opposition
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 secondary stress | – | ɒ | p | VC | closed |
| 2 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 3 primary stress | z | ɪ | ʃ | CVC | closed |
| 4 | – | ə | n | VC | closed |
Why Opposition Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /p/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /z/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 3 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /ʃ/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in opposition?
Opposition has 4 syllables, opp-o-sit-ion. In British English it is transcribed /ˌɒp.əˈzɪʃ.ən/.
Which syllable is stressed in opposition?
The third syllable, sit, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of opposition?
Opposition has the structure VC/V/CVC/VC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide opposition into syllables?
By sound, ɒp.ə.zɪʃ.ən. By letters, as a spelling guide, opp-o-sit-ion.