How Many Syllables In Hilarious?
4syllables
Hilarious has 4 syllables, hi-la-ri-ous. It is a polysyllabic word.
hilarious
/hɪˈleə.ri.əs/ UK /hɪˈler.i.əs/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, la.
Syllable Structure
CV/CV/CV/VC
Division By Sound
/hɪ.leə.ri.əs/
Division By Letters
hi-la-ri-ous
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Hilarious
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | h | ɪ | – | CV | open |
| 2 primary stress | l | eə | – | CV | open |
| 3 | r | i | – | CV | open |
| 4 | – | ə | s | VC | closed |
Why Hilarious Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /r/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Two vowels meet between syllables 3 and 4, so syllable 4 has no onset.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in hilarious?
Hilarious has 4 syllables, hi-la-ri-ous. In British English it is transcribed /hɪˈleə.ri.əs/.
Which syllable is stressed in hilarious?
The second syllable, la, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of hilarious?
Hilarious has the structure CV/CV/CV/VC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide hilarious into syllables?
By sound, hɪ.leə.ri.əs. By letters, as a spelling guide, hi-la-ri-ous.
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