How Many Syllables In Specific?
3syllables
Specific has 3 syllables, spe-cif-ic. It is a trisyllabic word.
specific
/spəˈsɪf.ɪk/ UK /spəˈsɪf.ɪk/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, cif.
Syllable Structure
CCV/CVC/VC
Division By Sound
/spə.sɪf.ɪk/
Division By Letters
spe-cif-ic
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Specific
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | sp | ə | – | CCV | open |
| 2 primary stress | s | ɪ | f | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ɪ | k | VC | closed |
Why Specific Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /s/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /f/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in specific?
Specific has 3 syllables, spe-cif-ic. In British English it is transcribed /spəˈsɪf.ɪk/.
Which syllable is stressed in specific?
The second syllable, cif, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of specific?
Specific has the structure CCV/CVC/VC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide specific into syllables?
By sound, spə.sɪf.ɪk. By letters, as a spelling guide, spe-cif-ic.