How Many Syllables In Bitterly?
3syllables
Bitterly has 3 syllables, bitt-er-ly. It is a trisyllabic word.
bitterly
/ˈbɪt.ə.li/ UK /ˈbɪt.ɚ.li/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, bitt.
Syllable Structure
CVC/V/CV
Division By Sound
/bɪt.ə.li/
Division By Letters
bitt-er-ly
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Bitterly
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 | b | ɪ | t | CVC | closed |
| 2 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 3 | l | i | – | CV | open |
Why Bitterly Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /t/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in bitterly?
Bitterly has 3 syllables, bitt-er-ly. In British English it is transcribed /ˈbɪt.ə.li/.
Which syllable is stressed in bitterly?
The first syllable, bitt, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of bitterly?
Bitterly has the structure CVC/V/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide bitterly into syllables?
By sound, bɪt.ə.li. By letters, as a spelling guide, bitt-er-ly.