How Many Syllables In Defend?
2syllables
Defend has 2 syllables, de-fend. It is a disyllabic word.
defend
/dɪˈfend/ UK /dɪˈfend/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, fend.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVCC
Division By Sound
/dɪ.fend/
Division By Letters
de-fend
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Defend
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | d | ɪ | – | CV | open |
| 2 primary stress | f | e | nd | CVCC | closed |
Why Defend Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /f/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in defend?
Defend has 2 syllables, de-fend. In British English it is transcribed /dɪˈfend/.
Which syllable is stressed in defend?
The second syllable, fend, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of defend?
Defend has the structure CV/CVCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide defend into syllables?
By sound, dɪ.fend. By letters, as a spelling guide, de-fend.