How Many Syllables In Retaliate?
4syllables
Retaliate has 4 syllables, re-tal-iat-e. It is a polysyllabic word.
retaliate
/rɪˈtæl.i.eɪt/ UK /rɪˈtæl.i.eɪt/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, tal.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/V/VC
Division By Sound
/rɪ.tæl.i.eɪt/
Division By Letters
re-tal-iat-e
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Retaliate
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 | t | æ | l | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | i | – | V | open |
| 4 | – | eɪ | t | VC | closed |
Why Retaliate 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 /l/.
- Two vowels meet between syllables 3 and 4, so syllable 4 has no onset.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in retaliate?
Retaliate has 4 syllables, re-tal-iat-e. In British English it is transcribed /rɪˈtæl.i.eɪt/.
Which syllable is stressed in retaliate?
The second syllable, tal, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of retaliate?
Retaliate has the structure CV/CVC/V/VC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide retaliate into syllables?
By sound, rɪ.tæl.i.eɪt. By letters, as a spelling guide, re-tal-iat-e.
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