How Many Syllables In Athletics?
3syllables
Athletics has 3 syllables, ath-let-ics. It is a trisyllabic word.
athletics
/æθˈlet.ɪks/ UK /æθˈlet.ɪks/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, let.
Syllable Structure
VC/CVC/VCC
Division By Sound
/æθ.let.ɪks/
Division By Letters
ath-let-ics
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Athletics
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | æ | θ | VC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | l | e | t | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ɪ | ks | VCC | closed |
Why Athletics Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /t/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in athletics?
Athletics has 3 syllables, ath-let-ics. In British English it is transcribed /æθˈlet.ɪks/.
Which syllable is stressed in athletics?
The second syllable, let, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of athletics?
Athletics has the structure VC/CVC/VCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide athletics into syllables?
By sound, æθ.let.ɪks. By letters, as a spelling guide, ath-let-ics.