How Many Syllables In Retired?
3syllables
Retired has 3 syllables, re-tir-ed. It is a trisyllabic word.
retired
/rɪˈtaɪ.əd/ UK /rɪˈtaɪrd/ US
Retired can also be said with 2 syllables (UK /rɪˈtaɪəd/).
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, tir.
Syllable Structure
CV/CV/VC
Division By Sound
/rɪ.taɪ.əd/
Division By Letters
re-tir-ed
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Retired
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 | aɪ | – | CV | open |
| 3 | – | ə | d | VC | closed |
Why Retired Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Two vowels meet between syllables 2 and 3, so syllable 3 has no onset.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /rɪˈtaɪ.əd/ | /rɪˈtaɪrd/ | 3 |
| Also | /rɪˈtaɪəd/ | 2 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in retired?
Retired has 3 syllables, re-tir-ed. In British English it is transcribed /rɪˈtaɪ.əd/.
Which syllable is stressed in retired?
The second syllable, tir, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of retired?
Retired has the structure CV/CV/VC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide retired into syllables?
By sound, rɪ.taɪ.əd. By letters, as a spelling guide, re-tir-ed.