How Many Syllables In Smallness?
2syllables
Smallness has 2 syllables, small-ness. It is a disyllabic word.
smallness
/ˈsmɔːl.nəs/ UK /ˈsmɔːl.nəs/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, small.
Syllable Structure
CCVC/CVC
Division By Sound
/smɔːl.nəs/
Division By Letters
small-ness
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Smallness
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 | sm | ɔː | l | CCVC | closed |
| 2 | n | ə | s | CVC | closed |
Why Smallness Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /n/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˈsmɔːl.nəs/ | /ˈsmɔːl.nəs/ | 2 |
| Also | /ˈsmɔːl.nɪs/ | 2 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in smallness?
Smallness has 2 syllables, small-ness. In British English it is transcribed /ˈsmɔːl.nəs/.
Which syllable is stressed in smallness?
The first syllable, small, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of smallness?
Smallness has the structure CCVC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide smallness into syllables?
By sound, smɔːl.nəs. By letters, as a spelling guide, small-ness.