How Many Syllables In Diligent?
3syllables
Diligent has 3 syllables, dil-i-gent. It is a trisyllabic word.
diligent
/ˈdɪl.ɪ.dʒənt/ UK /ˈdɪl.ɪ.dʒənt/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, dil.
Syllable Structure
CVC/V/CVCC
Division By Sound
/dɪl.ɪ.dʒənt/
Division By Letters
dil-i-gent
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Diligent
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 | l | CVC | closed |
| 2 | – | ɪ | – | V | open |
| 3 | dʒ | ə | nt | CVCC | closed |
Why Diligent Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /l/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /dʒ/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in diligent?
Diligent has 3 syllables, dil-i-gent. In British English it is transcribed /ˈdɪl.ɪ.dʒənt/.
Which syllable is stressed in diligent?
The first syllable, dil, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of diligent?
Diligent has the structure CVC/V/CVCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide diligent into syllables?
By sound, dɪl.ɪ.dʒənt. By letters, as a spelling guide, dil-i-gent.