How Many Syllables In Simile?
3syllables
Simile has 3 syllables, sim-i-le. It is a trisyllabic word.
simile
/ˈsɪm.ə.li/ UK /ˈsɪm.ə.li/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, sim.
Syllable Structure
CVC/V/CV
Division By Sound
/sɪm.ə.li/
Division By Letters
sim-i-le
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Simile
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 | ɪ | m | CVC | closed |
| 2 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 3 | l | i | – | CV | open |
Why Simile Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /m/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˈsɪm.ə.li/ | /ˈsɪm.ə.li/ | 3 |
| Also | /ˈsɪm.ɪ.li/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in simile?
Simile has 3 syllables, sim-i-le. In British English it is transcribed /ˈsɪm.ə.li/.
Which syllable is stressed in simile?
The first syllable, sim, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of simile?
Simile has the structure CVC/V/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide simile into syllables?
By sound, sɪm.ə.li. By letters, as a spelling guide, sim-i-le.