How Many Syllables In Circumference?
4syllables
Circumference has 4 syllables, cir-cum-fer-ence. It is a polysyllabic word.
circumference
/səˈkʌm.fər.əns/ UK /sɚˈkʌm.fɚ.əns/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, cum.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/CVC/VCC
Division By Sound
/sə.kʌm.fər.əns/
Division By Letters
cir-cum-fer-ence
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Circumference
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | s | ə | – | CV | open |
| 2 primary stress | k | ʌ | m | CVC | closed |
| 3 | f | ə | r | CVC | closed |
| 4 | – | ə | ns | VCC | closed |
Why Circumference Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /k/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /ʌ/, so it keeps a coda /m/.
- Syllable 3 ends in /r/ because the next syllable cannot take it as an onset here.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in circumference?
Circumference has 4 syllables, cir-cum-fer-ence. In British English it is transcribed /səˈkʌm.fər.əns/.
Which syllable is stressed in circumference?
The second syllable, cum, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of circumference?
Circumference has the structure CV/CVC/CVC/VCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide circumference into syllables?
By sound, sə.kʌm.fər.əns. By letters, as a spelling guide, cir-cum-fer-ence.