How Many Syllables In Overzealous?
4syllables
Overzealous has 4 syllables, o-ver-zeal-ous. It is a polysyllabic word.
overzealous
/ˌəʊ.vəˈzel.əs/ UK /ˌoʊ.vɚˈzel.əs/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, zeal.
Syllable Structure
V/CV/CVC/VC
Division By Sound
/əʊ.və.zel.əs/
Division By Letters
o-ver-zeal-ous
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Overzealous
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 secondary stress | – | əʊ | – | V | open |
| 2 | v | ə | – | CV | open |
| 3 primary stress | z | e | l | CVC | closed |
| 4 | – | ə | s | VC | closed |
Why Overzealous Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /v/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /z/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 3 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /l/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in overzealous?
Overzealous has 4 syllables, o-ver-zeal-ous. In British English it is transcribed /ˌəʊ.vəˈzel.əs/.
Which syllable is stressed in overzealous?
The third syllable, zeal, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of overzealous?
Overzealous has the structure V/CV/CVC/VC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide overzealous into syllables?
By sound, əʊ.və.zel.əs. By letters, as a spelling guide, o-ver-zeal-ous.
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