How Many Syllables In Selfless?
2syllables
Selfless has 2 syllables, self-less. It is a disyllabic word.
selfless
/ˈself.ləs/ UK /ˈself.ləs/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, self.
Syllable Structure
CVCC/CVC
Division By Sound
/self.ləs/
Division By Letters
self-less
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Selfless
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 | s | e | lf | CVCC | closed |
| 2 | l | ə | s | CVC | closed |
Why Selfless Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /lf/.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˈself.ləs/ | /ˈself.ləs/ | 2 |
| Also | /ˈself.lɪs/ | 2 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in selfless?
Selfless has 2 syllables, self-less. In British English it is transcribed /ˈself.ləs/.
Which syllable is stressed in selfless?
The first syllable, self, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of selfless?
Selfless has the structure CVCC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide selfless into syllables?
By sound, self.ləs. By letters, as a spelling guide, self-less.