How Many Syllables In Perfunctory?
4syllables
Perfunctory has 4 syllables, per-func-tor-y. It is a polysyllabic word.
perfunctory
/pəˈfʌŋk.tər.i/ UK /pɚˈfʌŋk.tɚ.i/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, func.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVCC/CVC/V
Division By Sound
/pə.fʌŋk.tər.i/
Division By Letters
per-func-tor-y
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Perfunctory
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 | ə | – | CV | open |
| 2 primary stress | f | ʌ | ŋk | CVCC | closed |
| 3 | t | ə | r | CVC | closed |
| 4 | – | i | – | V | open |
Why Perfunctory Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /f/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /ʌ/, so it keeps a coda /ŋk/.
- Syllable 3 ends in /r/ because the next syllable cannot take it as an onset here.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in perfunctory?
Perfunctory has 4 syllables, per-func-tor-y. In British English it is transcribed /pəˈfʌŋk.tər.i/.
Which syllable is stressed in perfunctory?
The second syllable, func, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of perfunctory?
Perfunctory has the structure CV/CVCC/CVC/V, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide perfunctory into syllables?
By sound, pə.fʌŋk.tər.i. By letters, as a spelling guide, per-func-tor-y.