How Many Syllables In Retire?
2syllables
Retire has 2 syllables, re-tire. It is a disyllabic word.
retire
/rɪˈtaɪə/ UK /rɪˈtaɪr/ US
Retire can also be said with 3 syllables (UK /rɪˈtaɪ.ə/).
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, tire.
Syllable Structure
CV/CV
Division By Sound
/rɪ.taɪə/
Division By Letters
re-tire
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Retire
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | r | ɪ | – | CV | open |
| 2 primary stress | t | aɪə | – | CV | open |
Why Retire Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /rɪˈtaɪə/ | /rɪˈtaɪr/ | 2 |
| Also | /rɪˈtaɪ.ə/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in retire?
Retire has 2 syllables, re-tire. In British English it is transcribed /rɪˈtaɪə/.
Which syllable is stressed in retire?
The second syllable, tire, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of retire?
Retire has the structure CV/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide retire into syllables?
By sound, rɪ.taɪə. By letters, as a spelling guide, re-tire.