How Many Syllables In Referendum?
4syllables
Referendum has 4 syllables, ref-e-ren-dum. It is a polysyllabic word.
referendum
/ˌref.əˈren.dəm/ UK /ˌref.əˈren.dəm/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, ren.
Syllable Structure
CVC/V/CVC/CVC
Division By Sound
/ref.ə.ren.dəm/
Division By Letters
ref-e-ren-dum
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Referendum
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 | r | e | f | CVC | closed |
| 2 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 3 primary stress | r | e | n | CVC | closed |
| 4 | d | ə | m | CVC | closed |
Why Referendum Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /f/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /r/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 3 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in referendum?
Referendum has 4 syllables, ref-e-ren-dum. In British English it is transcribed /ˌref.əˈren.dəm/.
Which syllable is stressed in referendum?
The third syllable, ren, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of referendum?
Referendum has the structure CVC/V/CVC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide referendum into syllables?
By sound, ref.ə.ren.dəm. By letters, as a spelling guide, ref-e-ren-dum.