How Many Syllables In Intimate?
3syllables
Intimate has 3 syllables, in-ti-mate. It is a trisyllabic word.
intimate
/ˈɪn.tɪ.mət/ UK /ˈɪn.t̬ə.mət/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, in.
Syllable Structure
VC/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/ɪn.tɪ.mət/
Division By Letters
in-ti-mate
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Intimate
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 | n | VC | closed |
| 2 | t | ɪ | – | CV | open |
| 3 | m | ə | t | CVC | closed |
Why Intimate Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /m/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjective | /ˈɪn.tɪ.mət/ | /ˈɪn.t̬ə.mət/ | 3 |
| Adjective | /ˈɪn.tɪ.mɪt/ | 3 | |
| Verb | /ˈɪn.tɪ.meɪt/ | /ˈɪn.t̬ə.meɪt/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in intimate?
Intimate has 3 syllables, in-ti-mate. In British English it is transcribed /ˈɪn.tɪ.mət/.
Which syllable is stressed in intimate?
The first syllable, in, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of intimate?
Intimate has the structure VC/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide intimate into syllables?
By sound, ɪn.tɪ.mət. By letters, as a spelling guide, in-ti-mate.