How Many Syllables In Motherly?
3syllables
Motherly has 3 syllables, moth-er-ly. It is a trisyllabic word.
motherly
/ˈmʌð.ə.li/ UK /ˈmʌð.ɚ.li/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, moth.
Syllable Structure
CVC/V/CV
Division By Sound
/mʌð.ə.li/
Division By Letters
moth-er-ly
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Motherly
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 | ʌ | ð | CVC | closed |
| 2 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 3 | l | i | – | CV | open |
Why Motherly Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ʌ/, so it keeps a coda /ð/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in motherly?
Motherly has 3 syllables, moth-er-ly. In British English it is transcribed /ˈmʌð.ə.li/.
Which syllable is stressed in motherly?
The first syllable, moth, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of motherly?
Motherly has the structure CVC/V/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide motherly into syllables?
By sound, mʌð.ə.li. By letters, as a spelling guide, moth-er-ly.