How Many Syllables In Dependent?
3syllables
Dependent has 3 syllables, de-pen-dent. It is a trisyllabic word.
dependent
/dɪˈpen.dənt/ UK /dɪˈpen.dənt/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, pen.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/CVCC
Division By Sound
/dɪ.pen.dənt/
Division By Letters
de-pen-dent
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Dependent
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 | p | e | n | CVC | closed |
| 3 | d | ə | nt | CVCC | closed |
Why Dependent Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /p/ 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/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in dependent?
Dependent has 3 syllables, de-pen-dent. In British English it is transcribed /dɪˈpen.dənt/.
Which syllable is stressed in dependent?
The second syllable, pen, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of dependent?
Dependent has the structure CV/CVC/CVCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide dependent into syllables?
By sound, dɪ.pen.dənt. By letters, as a spelling guide, de-pen-dent.