How Many Syllables In Protagonist?
4syllables
Protagonist has 4 syllables, pro-tag-on-ist. It is a polysyllabic word.
protagonist
/prəˈtæɡ.ən.ɪst/ UK /proʊˈtæɡ.ə.nɪst/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, tag.
Syllable Structure
CCV/CVC/VC/VCC
Division By Sound
/prə.tæɡ.ən.ɪst/
Division By Letters
pro-tag-on-ist
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Protagonist
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | pr | ə | – | CCV | open |
| 2 primary stress | t | æ | ɡ | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | n | VC | closed |
| 4 | – | ɪ | st | VCC | closed |
Why Protagonist Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /æ/, so it keeps a coda /ɡ/.
- Syllable 3 ends in /n/ because the next syllable cannot take it as an onset here.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in protagonist?
Protagonist has 4 syllables, pro-tag-on-ist. In British English it is transcribed /prəˈtæɡ.ən.ɪst/.
Which syllable is stressed in protagonist?
The second syllable, tag, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of protagonist?
Protagonist has the structure CCV/CVC/VC/VCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide protagonist into syllables?
By sound, prə.tæɡ.ən.ɪst. By letters, as a spelling guide, pro-tag-on-ist.