How Many Syllables In Reluctant?
3syllables
Reluctant has 3 syllables, re-luc-tant. It is a trisyllabic word.
reluctant
/rɪˈlʌk.tənt/ UK /rɪˈlʌk.tənt/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, luc.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/CVCC
Division By Sound
/rɪ.lʌk.tənt/
Division By Letters
re-luc-tant
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Reluctant
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | r | ɪ | – | CV | open |
| 2 primary stress | l | ʌ | k | CVC | closed |
| 3 | t | ə | nt | CVCC | closed |
Why Reluctant Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /ʌ/, so it keeps a coda /k/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in reluctant?
Reluctant has 3 syllables, re-luc-tant. In British English it is transcribed /rɪˈlʌk.tənt/.
Which syllable is stressed in reluctant?
The second syllable, luc, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of reluctant?
Reluctant has the structure CV/CVC/CVCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide reluctant into syllables?
By sound, rɪ.lʌk.tənt. By letters, as a spelling guide, re-luc-tant.