How Many Syllables In Motionless?
3syllables
Motionless has 3 syllables, mo-tion-less. It is a trisyllabic word.
motionless
/ˈməʊ.ʃən.ləs/ UK /ˈmoʊ.ʃən.ləs/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, mo.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/CVC
Division By Sound
/məʊ.ʃən.ləs/
Division By Letters
mo-tion-less
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Motionless
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 | əʊ | – | CV | open |
| 2 | ʃ | ə | n | CVC | closed |
| 3 | l | ə | s | CVC | closed |
Why Motionless Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /ʃ/ 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 | /ˈməʊ.ʃən.ləs/ | /ˈmoʊ.ʃən.ləs/ | 3 |
| Also | /ˈməʊ.ʃən.lɪs/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in motionless?
Motionless has 3 syllables, mo-tion-less. In British English it is transcribed /ˈməʊ.ʃən.ləs/.
Which syllable is stressed in motionless?
The first syllable, mo, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of motionless?
Motionless has the structure CV/CVC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide motionless into syllables?
By sound, məʊ.ʃən.ləs. By letters, as a spelling guide, mo-tion-less.