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