How Many Syllables In Respectful?
3syllables
Respectful has 3 syllables, re-spect-ful. It is a trisyllabic word.
respectful
/rɪˈspekt.fəl/ UK /rɪˈspekt.fəl/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, spect.
Syllable Structure
CV/CCVCC/CVC
Division By Sound
/rɪ.spekt.fəl/
Division By Letters
re-spect-ful
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Respectful
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 | sp | e | kt | CCVCC | closed |
| 3 | f | ə | l | CVC | closed |
Why Respectful Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /sp/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /kt/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in respectful?
Respectful has 3 syllables, re-spect-ful. In British English it is transcribed /rɪˈspekt.fəl/.
Which syllable is stressed in respectful?
The second syllable, spect, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of respectful?
Respectful has the structure CV/CCVCC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide respectful into syllables?
By sound, rɪ.spekt.fəl. By letters, as a spelling guide, re-spect-ful.