How Many Syllables In Arithmetic?
4syllables
Arithmetic has 4 syllables, a-rith-me-tic. It is a polysyllabic word.
arithmetic
/əˈrɪθ.mə.tɪk/ UK /əˈrɪθ.mə.t̬ɪk/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, rith.
Syllable Structure
V/CVC/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/ə.rɪθ.mə.tɪk/
Division By Letters
a-rith-me-tic
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Arithmetic
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 2 primary stress | r | ɪ | θ | CVC | closed |
| 3 | m | ə | – | CV | open |
| 4 | t | ɪ | k | CVC | closed |
Why Arithmetic Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /r/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /θ/.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in arithmetic?
Arithmetic has 4 syllables, a-rith-me-tic. In British English it is transcribed /əˈrɪθ.mə.tɪk/.
Which syllable is stressed in arithmetic?
The second syllable, rith, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of arithmetic?
Arithmetic has the structure V/CVC/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide arithmetic into syllables?
By sound, ə.rɪθ.mə.tɪk. By letters, as a spelling guide, a-rith-me-tic.