How Many Syllables In Figurative?
4syllables
Figurative has 4 syllables, fig-u-ra-tive. It is a polysyllabic word.
figurative
/ˈfɪɡ.ə.rə.tɪv/ UK /ˈfɪɡ.jɚ.ə.t̬ɪv/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, fig.
Syllable Structure
CVC/V/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/fɪɡ.ə.rə.tɪv/
Division By Letters
fig-u-ra-tive
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Figurative
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 | f | ɪ | ɡ | CVC | closed |
| 2 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 3 | r | ə | – | CV | open |
| 4 | t | ɪ | v | CVC | closed |
Why Figurative Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /ɡ/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /r/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in figurative?
Figurative has 4 syllables, fig-u-ra-tive. In British English it is transcribed /ˈfɪɡ.ə.rə.tɪv/.
Which syllable is stressed in figurative?
The first syllable, fig, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of figurative?
Figurative has the structure CVC/V/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide figurative into syllables?
By sound, fɪɡ.ə.rə.tɪv. By letters, as a spelling guide, fig-u-ra-tive.