How Many Syllables In Competitive?
4syllables
Competitive has 4 syllables, com-pet-i-tive. It is a polysyllabic word.
competitive
/kəmˈpet.ə.tɪv/ UK /kəmˈpet.ə.t̬ɪv/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, pet.
Syllable Structure
CVC/CVC/V/CVC
Division By Sound
/kəm.pet.ə.tɪv/
Division By Letters
com-pet-i-tive
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Competitive
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | k | ə | m | CVC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | p | e | t | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 4 | t | ɪ | v | CVC | closed |
Why Competitive Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /p/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /t/.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in competitive?
Competitive has 4 syllables, com-pet-i-tive. In British English it is transcribed /kəmˈpet.ə.tɪv/.
Which syllable is stressed in competitive?
The second syllable, pet, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of competitive?
Competitive has the structure CVC/CVC/V/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide competitive into syllables?
By sound, kəm.pet.ə.tɪv. By letters, as a spelling guide, com-pet-i-tive.