How Many Syllables In Maternity?
4syllables
Maternity has 4 syllables, ma-ter-ni-ty. It is a polysyllabic word.
maternity
/məˈtɜː.nɪ.ti/ UK /məˈtɝː.nɪ.t̬i/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, ter.
Syllable Structure
CV/CV/CV/CV
Division By Sound
/mə.tɜː.nɪ.ti/
Division By Letters
ma-ter-ni-ty
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Maternity
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | m | ə | – | CV | open |
| 2 primary stress | t | ɜː | – | CV | open |
| 3 | n | ɪ | – | CV | open |
| 4 | t | i | – | CV | open |
Why Maternity Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /n/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in maternity?
Maternity has 4 syllables, ma-ter-ni-ty. In British English it is transcribed /məˈtɜː.nɪ.ti/.
Which syllable is stressed in maternity?
The second syllable, ter, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of maternity?
Maternity has the structure CV/CV/CV/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide maternity into syllables?
By sound, mə.tɜː.nɪ.ti. By letters, as a spelling guide, ma-ter-ni-ty.
Other Words With Four Syllables
overburdenprimarilyrespectfullytransferableaccordinglyautomaticconsultationelectronicguardianshipingredient