How Many Syllables In Compensation?
4syllables
Compensation has 4 syllables, com-pen-sa-tion. It is a polysyllabic word.
compensation
/ˌkɒm.pənˈseɪ.ʃən/ UK /ˌkɑːm.pənˈseɪ.ʃən/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, sa.
Syllable Structure
CVC/CVC/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/kɒm.pən.seɪ.ʃən/
Division By Letters
com-pen-sa-tion
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Compensation
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 secondary stress | k | ɒ | m | CVC | closed |
| 2 | p | ə | n | CVC | closed |
| 3 primary stress | s | eɪ | – | CV | open |
| 4 | ʃ | ə | n | CVC | closed |
Why Compensation Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /m/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /s/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /ʃ/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in compensation?
Compensation has 4 syllables, com-pen-sa-tion. In British English it is transcribed /ˌkɒm.pənˈseɪ.ʃən/.
Which syllable is stressed in compensation?
The third syllable, sa, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of compensation?
Compensation has the structure CVC/CVC/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide compensation into syllables?
By sound, kɒm.pən.seɪ.ʃən. By letters, as a spelling guide, com-pen-sa-tion.