How Many Syllables In Defiant?
3syllables
Defiant has 3 syllables, de-fi-ant. It is a trisyllabic word.
defiant
/dɪˈfaɪ.ənt/ UK /dɪˈfaɪ.ənt/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, fi.
Syllable Structure
CV/CV/VCC
Division By Sound
/dɪ.faɪ.ənt/
Division By Letters
de-fi-ant
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Defiant
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 | aɪ | – | CV | open |
| 3 | – | ə | nt | VCC | closed |
Why Defiant Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /f/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Two vowels meet between syllables 2 and 3, so syllable 3 has no onset.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in defiant?
Defiant has 3 syllables, de-fi-ant. In British English it is transcribed /dɪˈfaɪ.ənt/.
Which syllable is stressed in defiant?
The second syllable, fi, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of defiant?
Defiant has the structure CV/CV/VCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide defiant into syllables?
By sound, dɪ.faɪ.ənt. By letters, as a spelling guide, de-fi-ant.