How Many Syllables In Circumstance?
3syllables
Circumstance has 3 syllables, cir-cum-stance. It is a trisyllabic word.
circumstance
/ˈsɜː.kəm.stɑːns/ UK /ˈsɝː.kəm.stæns/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, cir.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/CCVCC
Division By Sound
/sɜː.kəm.stɑːns/
Division By Letters
cir-cum-stance
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Circumstance
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 | s | ɜː | – | CV | open |
| 2 | k | ə | m | CVC | closed |
| 3 | st | ɑː | ns | CCVCC | closed |
Why Circumstance Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /k/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /st/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in circumstance?
Circumstance has 3 syllables, cir-cum-stance. In British English it is transcribed /ˈsɜː.kəm.stɑːns/.
Which syllable is stressed in circumstance?
The first syllable, cir, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of circumstance?
Circumstance has the structure CV/CVC/CCVCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide circumstance into syllables?
By sound, sɜː.kəm.stɑːns. By letters, as a spelling guide, cir-cum-stance.