How Many Syllables In Desperately?
4syllables
Desperately has 4 syllables, des-pera-te-ly. It is a polysyllabic word.
desperately
/ˈdes.pə.rət.li/ UK /ˈdes.pə.rət.li/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, des.
Syllable Structure
CVC/CV/CVC/CV
Division By Sound
/des.pə.rət.li/
Division By Letters
des-pera-te-ly
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Desperately
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 primary stress | d | e | s | CVC | closed |
| 2 | p | ə | – | CV | open |
| 3 | r | ə | t | CVC | closed |
| 4 | l | i | – | CV | open |
Why Desperately Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /s/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /r/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in desperately?
Desperately has 4 syllables, des-pera-te-ly. In British English it is transcribed /ˈdes.pə.rət.li/.
Which syllable is stressed in desperately?
The first syllable, des, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of desperately?
Desperately has the structure CVC/CV/CVC/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide desperately into syllables?
By sound, des.pə.rət.li. By letters, as a spelling guide, des-pera-te-ly.
Other Words With Four Syllables
evaluateidiolectinvitationneverthelessprecipitaterepeatedlysynecdocheaccusationarticularcompassionate