How Many Syllables In Obscenity?
4syllables
Obscenity has 4 syllables, obs-cen-i-ty. It is a polysyllabic word.
obscenity
/əbˈsen.ɪ.ti/ UK /əbˈsen.ɪ.t̬i/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, cen.
Syllable Structure
VC/CVC/V/CV
Division By Sound
/əb.sen.ɪ.ti/
Division By Letters
obs-cen-i-ty
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Obscenity
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | ə | b | VC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | s | e | n | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ɪ | – | V | open |
| 4 | t | i | – | CV | open |
Why Obscenity Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /s/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in obscenity?
Obscenity has 4 syllables, obs-cen-i-ty. In British English it is transcribed /əbˈsen.ɪ.ti/.
Which syllable is stressed in obscenity?
The second syllable, cen, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of obscenity?
Obscenity has the structure VC/CVC/V/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide obscenity into syllables?
By sound, əb.sen.ɪ.ti. By letters, as a spelling guide, obs-cen-i-ty.
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