How Many Syllables In Adolescence?
4syllables
Adolescence has 4 syllables, ad-o-lesc-ence. It is a polysyllabic word.
adolescence
/ˌæd.əˈles.əns/ UK /ˌæd.əˈles.əns/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, lesc.
Syllable Structure
VC/V/CVC/VCC
Division By Sound
/æd.ə.les.əns/
Division By Letters
ad-o-lesc-ence
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Adolescence
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 | – | æ | d | VC | closed |
| 2 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 3 primary stress | l | e | s | CVC | closed |
| 4 | – | ə | ns | VCC | closed |
Why Adolescence Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /æ/, so it keeps a coda /d/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 3 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /s/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in adolescence?
Adolescence has 4 syllables, ad-o-lesc-ence. In British English it is transcribed /ˌæd.əˈles.əns/.
Which syllable is stressed in adolescence?
The third syllable, lesc, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of adolescence?
Adolescence has the structure VC/V/CVC/VCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide adolescence into syllables?
By sound, æd.ə.les.əns. By letters, as a spelling guide, ad-o-lesc-ence.
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