How Many Syllables In Deficiency?
4syllables
Deficiency has 4 syllables, de-fic-ien-cy. It is a polysyllabic word.
deficiency
/dɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/ UK /dɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, fic.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/VC/CV
Division By Sound
/dɪ.fɪʃ.ən.si/
Division By Letters
de-fic-ien-cy
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Deficiency
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 | ɪ | ʃ | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | n | VC | closed |
| 4 | s | i | – | CV | open |
Why Deficiency 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 /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /ʃ/.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /s/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in deficiency?
Deficiency has 4 syllables, de-fic-ien-cy. In British English it is transcribed /dɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/.
Which syllable is stressed in deficiency?
The second syllable, fic, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of deficiency?
Deficiency has the structure CV/CVC/VC/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide deficiency into syllables?
By sound, dɪ.fɪʃ.ən.si. By letters, as a spelling guide, de-fic-ien-cy.
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