How Many Syllables In Scientist?
3syllables
Scientist has 3 syllables, sci-en-tist. It is a trisyllabic word.
scientist
/ˈsaɪ.ən.tɪst/ UK /ˈsaɪ.ən.t̬ɪst/ US
Scientist can also be said with 2 syllables (UK /ˈsaɪən.tɪst/).
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, sci.
Syllable Structure
CV/VC/CVCC
Division By Sound
/saɪ.ən.tɪst/
Division By Letters
sci-en-tist
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Scientist
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 primary stress | s | aɪ | – | CV | open |
| 2 | – | ə | n | VC | closed |
| 3 | t | ɪ | st | CVCC | closed |
Why Scientist Divides Here
- Two vowels meet between syllables 1 and 2, so syllable 2 has no onset.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˈsaɪ.ən.tɪst/ | /ˈsaɪ.ən.t̬ɪst/ | 3 |
| Also | /ˈsaɪən.tɪst/ | 2 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in scientist?
Scientist has 3 syllables, sci-en-tist. In British English it is transcribed /ˈsaɪ.ən.tɪst/.
Which syllable is stressed in scientist?
The first syllable, sci, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of scientist?
Scientist has the structure CV/VC/CVCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide scientist into syllables?
By sound, saɪ.ən.tɪst. By letters, as a spelling guide, sci-en-tist.