How Many Syllables In Definitive?
4syllables
Definitive has 4 syllables, de-fin-i-tive. It is a polysyllabic word.
definitive
/dɪˈfɪn.ɪ.tɪv/ UK /dɪˈfɪn.ɪ.t̬ɪv/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, fin.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/V/CVC
Division By Sound
/dɪ.fɪn.ɪ.tɪv/
Division By Letters
de-fin-i-tive
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Definitive
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 | n | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ɪ | – | V | open |
| 4 | t | ɪ | v | CVC | closed |
Why Definitive 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 /n/.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in definitive?
Definitive has 4 syllables, de-fin-i-tive. In British English it is transcribed /dɪˈfɪn.ɪ.tɪv/.
Which syllable is stressed in definitive?
The second syllable, fin, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of definitive?
Definitive has the structure CV/CVC/V/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide definitive into syllables?
By sound, dɪ.fɪn.ɪ.tɪv. By letters, as a spelling guide, de-fin-i-tive.