How Many Syllables In Definition?
4syllables
Definition has 4 syllables, def-i-nit-ion. It is a polysyllabic word.
definition
/ˌdef.ɪˈnɪʃ.ən/ UK /ˌdef.əˈnɪʃ.ən/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, nit.
Syllable Structure
CVC/V/CVC/VC
Division By Sound
/def.ɪ.nɪʃ.ən/
Division By Letters
def-i-nit-ion
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Definition
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 secondary stress | d | e | f | CVC | closed |
| 2 | – | ɪ | – | V | open |
| 3 primary stress | n | ɪ | ʃ | CVC | closed |
| 4 | – | ə | n | VC | closed |
Why Definition Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /f/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /n/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 3 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /ʃ/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in definition?
Definition has 4 syllables, def-i-nit-ion. In British English it is transcribed /ˌdef.ɪˈnɪʃ.ən/.
Which syllable is stressed in definition?
The third syllable, nit, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of definition?
Definition has the structure CVC/V/CVC/VC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide definition into syllables?
By sound, def.ɪ.nɪʃ.ən. By letters, as a spelling guide, def-i-nit-ion.