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