How Many Syllables In Defensive?
3syllables
Defensive has 3 syllables, de-fen-sive. It is a trisyllabic word.
defensive
/dɪˈfen.sɪv/ UK /dɪˈfen.sɪv/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, fen.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/CVC
Division By Sound
/dɪ.fen.sɪv/
Division By Letters
de-fen-sive
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Defensive
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 | n | CVC | closed |
| 3 | s | ɪ | v | CVC | closed |
Why Defensive Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /f/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in defensive?
Defensive has 3 syllables, de-fen-sive. In British English it is transcribed /dɪˈfen.sɪv/.
Which syllable is stressed in defensive?
The second syllable, fen, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of defensive?
Defensive has the structure CV/CVC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide defensive into syllables?
By sound, dɪ.fen.sɪv. By letters, as a spelling guide, de-fen-sive.