How Many Syllables In Specifically?
4syllables
Specifically has 4 syllables, speci-fic-a-lly. It is a polysyllabic word.
specifically
/spəˈsɪf.ɪ.kli/ UK /spəˈsɪf.ɪ.kli/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, fic.
Syllable Structure
CCV/CVC/V/CCV
Division By Sound
/spə.sɪf.ɪ.kli/
Division By Letters
speci-fic-a-lly
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Specifically
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 | – | V | open |
| 4 | kl | i | – | CCV | open |
Why Specifically 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/.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /kl/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /spəˈsɪf.ɪ.kli/ | /spəˈsɪf.ɪ.kli/ | 4 |
| Also | /spəˈsɪf.ɪk.li/ | 4 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in specifically?
Specifically has 4 syllables, speci-fic-a-lly. In British English it is transcribed /spəˈsɪf.ɪ.kli/.
Which syllable is stressed in specifically?
The second syllable, fic, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of specifically?
Specifically has the structure CCV/CVC/V/CCV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide specifically into syllables?
By sound, spə.sɪf.ɪ.kli. By letters, as a spelling guide, speci-fic-a-lly.