How Many Syllables In Pentameter?
4syllables
Pentameter has 4 syllables, pen-tam-e-ter. It is a polysyllabic word.
pentameter
/penˈtæm.ɪ.tə/ UK /penˈtæm.ə.t̬ɚ/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, tam.
Syllable Structure
CVC/CVC/V/CV
Division By Sound
/pen.tæm.ɪ.tə/
Division By Letters
pen-tam-e-ter
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Pentameter
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | p | e | n | CVC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | t | æ | m | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ɪ | – | V | open |
| 4 | t | ə | – | CV | open |
Why Pentameter Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /æ/, so it keeps a coda /m/.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in pentameter?
Pentameter has 4 syllables, pen-tam-e-ter. In British English it is transcribed /penˈtæm.ɪ.tə/.
Which syllable is stressed in pentameter?
The second syllable, tam, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of pentameter?
Pentameter has the structure CVC/CVC/V/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide pentameter into syllables?
By sound, pen.tæm.ɪ.tə. By letters, as a spelling guide, pen-tam-e-ter.