How Many Syllables In Paroxysm?
4syllables
Paroxysm has 4 syllables, pær-ək-sɪ-zəm. It is a polysyllabic word.
pærəksɪzəm
/ˈpær.ək.sɪ.zəm/ UK /ˈper.ək.sɪ.zəm/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, pær.
Syllable Structure
CVC/VC/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/pær.ək.sɪ.zəm/
Division By Letters
The spelling does not split cleanly
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Paroxysm
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 | p | æ | r | CVC | closed |
| 2 | – | ə | k | VC | closed |
| 3 | s | ɪ | – | CV | open |
| 4 | z | ə | m | CVC | closed |
Why Paroxysm Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /æ/, so it keeps a coda /r/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /s/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /z/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in paroxysm?
Paroxysm has 4 syllables, pær-ək-sɪ-zəm. In British English it is transcribed /ˈpær.ək.sɪ.zəm/.
Which syllable is stressed in paroxysm?
The first syllable, pær, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of paroxysm?
Paroxysm has the structure CVC/VC/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide paroxysm into syllables?
By sound, pær.ək.sɪ.zəm. By letters, as a spelling guide, the spelling does not split cleanly.