How Many Syllables In Defensively?
4syllables
Defensively has 4 syllables, defen-si-ve-ly. It is a polysyllabic word.
defensively
/dɪˈfen.sɪv.li/ UK /dɪˈfen.sɪv.li/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, si.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/CVC/CV
Division By Sound
/dɪ.fen.sɪv.li/
Division By Letters
defen-si-ve-ly
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Defensively
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 |
| 4 | l | i | – | CV | open |
Why Defensively 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/.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in defensively?
Defensively has 4 syllables, defen-si-ve-ly. In British English it is transcribed /dɪˈfen.sɪv.li/.
Which syllable is stressed in defensively?
The second syllable, si, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of defensively?
Defensively has the structure CV/CVC/CVC/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide defensively into syllables?
By sound, dɪ.fen.sɪv.li. By letters, as a spelling guide, defen-si-ve-ly.
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