How Many Syllables In Adequate?
3syllables
Adequate has 3 syllables, ad-e-quate. It is a trisyllabic word.
adequate
/ˈæd.ɪ.kwət/ UK /ˈæd.ɪ.kwət/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, ad.
Syllable Structure
VC/V/CCVC
Division By Sound
/æd.ɪ.kwət/
Division By Letters
ad-e-quate
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Adequate
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 | – | æ | d | VC | closed |
| 2 | – | ɪ | – | V | open |
| 3 | kw | ə | t | CCVC | closed |
Why Adequate Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /æ/, so it keeps a coda /d/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /kw/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˈæd.ɪ.kwət/ | /ˈæd.ɪ.kwət/ | 3 |
| Also | /ˈæd.ɪ.kwɪt/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in adequate?
Adequate has 3 syllables, ad-e-quate. In British English it is transcribed /ˈæd.ɪ.kwət/.
Which syllable is stressed in adequate?
The first syllable, ad, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of adequate?
Adequate has the structure VC/V/CCVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide adequate into syllables?
By sound, æd.ɪ.kwət. By letters, as a spelling guide, ad-e-quate.