How Many Syllables In Dictionary?
3syllables
Dictionary has 3 syllables, dic-tiona-ry. It is a trisyllabic word.
dictionary
/ˈdɪk.ʃən.ri/ UK /ˈdɪk.ʃə.ner.i/ US
Dictionary can also be said with 4 syllables (US /ˈdɪk.ʃə.ner.i/).
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, dic.
Syllable Structure
CVC/CVC/CV
Division By Sound
/dɪk.ʃən.ri/
Division By Letters
dic-tiona-ry
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Dictionary
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 | ɪ | k | CVC | closed |
| 2 | ʃ | ə | n | CVC | closed |
| 3 | r | i | – | CV | open |
Why Dictionary Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /k/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /r/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in dictionary?
Dictionary has 3 syllables, dic-tiona-ry. In British English it is transcribed /ˈdɪk.ʃən.ri/.
Which syllable is stressed in dictionary?
The first syllable, dic, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of dictionary?
Dictionary has the structure CVC/CVC/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide dictionary into syllables?
By sound, dɪk.ʃən.ri. By letters, as a spelling guide, dic-tiona-ry.