How Many Syllables In Precedent?
3syllables
Precedent has 3 syllables, prec-e-dent. It is a trisyllabic word.
precedent
/ˈpres.ɪ.dənt/ UK /ˈpres.ə.dənt/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, prec.
Syllable Structure
CCVC/V/CVCC
Division By Sound
/pres.ɪ.dənt/
Division By Letters
prec-e-dent
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Precedent
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 | pr | e | s | CCVC | closed |
| 2 | – | ɪ | – | V | open |
| 3 | d | ə | nt | CVCC | closed |
Why Precedent Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /s/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /d/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in precedent?
Precedent has 3 syllables, prec-e-dent. In British English it is transcribed /ˈpres.ɪ.dənt/.
Which syllable is stressed in precedent?
The first syllable, prec, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of precedent?
Precedent has the structure CCVC/V/CVCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide precedent into syllables?
By sound, pres.ɪ.dənt. By letters, as a spelling guide, prec-e-dent.