How Many Syllables In Unfamiliar?
4syllables
Unfamiliar has 4 syllables, un-fa-mil-iar. It is a polysyllabic word.
unfamiliar
/ˌʌn.fəˈmɪl.jə/ UK /ˌʌn.fəˈmɪl.jɚ/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, mil.
Syllable Structure
VC/CV/CVC/CV
Division By Sound
/ʌn.fə.mɪl.jə/
Division By Letters
un-fa-mil-iar
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Unfamiliar
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 secondary stress | – | ʌ | n | VC | closed |
| 2 | f | ə | – | CV | open |
| 3 primary stress | m | ɪ | l | CVC | closed |
| 4 | j | ə | – | CV | open |
Why Unfamiliar Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ʌ/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /m/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 3 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /l/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in unfamiliar?
Unfamiliar has 4 syllables, un-fa-mil-iar. In British English it is transcribed /ˌʌn.fəˈmɪl.jə/.
Which syllable is stressed in unfamiliar?
The third syllable, mil, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of unfamiliar?
Unfamiliar has the structure VC/CV/CVC/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide unfamiliar into syllables?
By sound, ʌn.fə.mɪl.jə. By letters, as a spelling guide, un-fa-mil-iar.
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