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