How Many Syllables In Adjective?
3syllables
Adjective has 3 syllables, adj-ec-tive. It is a trisyllabic word.
adjective
/ˈædʒ.ɪk.tɪv/ UK /ˈædʒ.ɪk.tɪv/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, adj.
Syllable Structure
VC/VC/CVC
Division By Sound
/ædʒ.ɪk.tɪv/
Division By Letters
adj-ec-tive
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Adjective
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 | dʒ | VC | closed |
| 2 | – | ɪ | k | VC | closed |
| 3 | t | ɪ | v | CVC | closed |
Why Adjective Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /æ/, so it keeps a coda /dʒ/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in adjective?
Adjective has 3 syllables, adj-ec-tive. In British English it is transcribed /ˈædʒ.ɪk.tɪv/.
Which syllable is stressed in adjective?
The first syllable, adj, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of adjective?
Adjective has the structure VC/VC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide adjective into syllables?
By sound, ædʒ.ɪk.tɪv. By letters, as a spelling guide, adj-ec-tive.