How Many Syllables In Enlighten?
3syllables
Enlighten has 3 syllables, en-ligh-ten. It is a trisyllabic word.
enlighten
/ɪnˈlaɪ.tən/ UK /ɪnˈlaɪ.t̬ən/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, ligh.
Syllable Structure
VC/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/ɪn.laɪ.tən/
Division By Letters
en-ligh-ten
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Enlighten
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | ɪ | n | VC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | l | aɪ | – | CV | open |
| 3 | t | ə | n | CVC | closed |
Why Enlighten Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in enlighten?
Enlighten has 3 syllables, en-ligh-ten. In British English it is transcribed /ɪnˈlaɪ.tən/.
Which syllable is stressed in enlighten?
The second syllable, ligh, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of enlighten?
Enlighten has the structure VC/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide enlighten into syllables?
By sound, ɪn.laɪ.tən. By letters, as a spelling guide, en-ligh-ten.