How Many Syllables In Indefinite?
4syllables
Indefinite has 4 syllables, in-def-i-nite. It is a polysyllabic word.
indefinite
/ɪnˈdef.ə.nət/ UK /ɪnˈdef.ə.nət/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, def.
Syllable Structure
VC/CVC/V/CVC
Division By Sound
/ɪn.def.ə.nət/
Division By Letters
in-def-i-nite
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Indefinite
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 | d | e | f | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 4 | n | ə | t | CVC | closed |
Why Indefinite Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /d/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /f/.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /n/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in indefinite?
Indefinite has 4 syllables, in-def-i-nite. In British English it is transcribed /ɪnˈdef.ə.nət/.
Which syllable is stressed in indefinite?
The second syllable, def, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of indefinite?
Indefinite has the structure VC/CVC/V/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide indefinite into syllables?
By sound, ɪn.def.ə.nət. By letters, as a spelling guide, in-def-i-nite.