How Many Syllables In Meaningless?
3syllables
Meaningless has 3 syllables, mea-ning-less. It is a trisyllabic word.
meaningless
/ˈmiː.nɪŋ.ləs/ UK /ˈmiː.nɪŋ.ləs/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, mea.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/CVC
Division By Sound
/miː.nɪŋ.ləs/
Division By Letters
mea-ning-less
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Meaningless
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 | m | iː | – | CV | open |
| 2 | n | ɪ | ŋ | CVC | closed |
| 3 | l | ə | s | CVC | closed |
Why Meaningless Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /n/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˈmiː.nɪŋ.ləs/ | /ˈmiː.nɪŋ.ləs/ | 3 |
| Also | /ˈmiː.nɪŋ.lɪs/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in meaningless?
Meaningless has 3 syllables, mea-ning-less. In British English it is transcribed /ˈmiː.nɪŋ.ləs/.
Which syllable is stressed in meaningless?
The first syllable, mea, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of meaningless?
Meaningless has the structure CV/CVC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide meaningless into syllables?
By sound, miː.nɪŋ.ləs. By letters, as a spelling guide, mea-ning-less.