How Many Syllables In Pessimistic?
4syllables
Pessimistic has 4 syllables, pess-i-mis-tic. It is a polysyllabic word.
pessimistic
/ˌpes.əˈmɪs.tɪk/ UK /ˌpes.əˈmɪs.tɪk/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, mis.
Syllable Structure
CVC/V/CVC/CVC
Division By Sound
/pes.ə.mɪs.tɪk/
Division By Letters
pess-i-mis-tic
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Pessimistic
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 | p | e | s | CVC | closed |
| 2 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 3 primary stress | m | ɪ | s | CVC | closed |
| 4 | t | ɪ | k | CVC | closed |
Why Pessimistic Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /s/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /m/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 3 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /s/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in pessimistic?
Pessimistic has 4 syllables, pess-i-mis-tic. In British English it is transcribed /ˌpes.əˈmɪs.tɪk/.
Which syllable is stressed in pessimistic?
The third syllable, mis, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of pessimistic?
Pessimistic has the structure CVC/V/CVC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide pessimistic into syllables?
By sound, pes.ə.mɪs.tɪk. By letters, as a spelling guide, pess-i-mis-tic.
Other Words With Four Syllables
reconstructionspectacularunqualifiedambivalentclassicallyderivativeexperimentimpossibleinvestigatenationally
Words With The Same Structure, CVC/V/CVC/CVC
pterodactylrecollectionreferendumresidentialbenedictionbodybuildingcitizenshipdisappointeddisappointinggovernmental