How Many Syllables In Adversary?
4syllables
Adversary has 4 syllables, ad-ver-sar-y. It is a polysyllabic word.
adversary
/ˈæd.və.sər.i/ UK /ˈæd.vɚ.ser.i/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, ad.
Syllable Structure
VC/CV/CVC/V
Division By Sound
/æd.və.sər.i/
Division By Letters
ad-ver-sar-y
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Adversary
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 | v | ə | – | CV | open |
| 3 | s | ə | r | CVC | closed |
| 4 | – | i | – | V | open |
Why Adversary Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /æ/, so it keeps a coda /d/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /s/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 3 ends in /r/ because the next syllable cannot take it as an onset here.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in adversary?
Adversary has 4 syllables, ad-ver-sar-y. In British English it is transcribed /ˈæd.və.sər.i/.
Which syllable is stressed in adversary?
The first syllable, ad, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of adversary?
Adversary has the structure VC/CV/CVC/V, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide adversary into syllables?
By sound, æd.və.sər.i. By letters, as a spelling guide, ad-ver-sar-y.