How Many Syllables In Indifference?
4syllables
Indifference has 4 syllables, in-diff-e-rence. It is a polysyllabic word.
indifference
/ɪnˈdɪf.ə.rəns/ UK /ɪnˈdɪf.ə.rəns/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, diff.
Syllable Structure
VC/CVC/V/CVCC
Division By Sound
/ɪn.dɪf.ə.rəns/
Division By Letters
in-diff-e-rence
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Indifference
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 | ɪ | f | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 4 | r | ə | ns | CVCC | closed |
Why Indifference 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 /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /f/.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /r/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in indifference?
Indifference has 4 syllables, in-diff-e-rence. In British English it is transcribed /ɪnˈdɪf.ə.rəns/.
Which syllable is stressed in indifference?
The second syllable, diff, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of indifference?
Indifference has the structure VC/CVC/V/CVCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide indifference into syllables?
By sound, ɪn.dɪf.ə.rəns. By letters, as a spelling guide, in-diff-e-rence.