How Many Syllables In Solitary?
4syllables
Solitary has 4 syllables, sol-i-tar-y. It is a polysyllabic word.
solitary
/ˈsɒl.ɪ.tər.i/ UK /ˈsɑː.ləˌter.i/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, sol.
Syllable Structure
CVC/V/CVC/V
Division By Sound
/sɒl.ɪ.tər.i/
Division By Letters
sol-i-tar-y
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Solitary
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 | ɒ | l | CVC | closed |
| 2 | – | ɪ | – | V | open |
| 3 | t | ə | r | CVC | closed |
| 4 | – | i | – | V | open |
Why Solitary Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /l/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 3 ends in /r/ because the next syllable cannot take it as an onset here.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in solitary?
Solitary has 4 syllables, sol-i-tar-y. In British English it is transcribed /ˈsɒl.ɪ.tər.i/.
Which syllable is stressed in solitary?
The first syllable, sol, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of solitary?
Solitary has the structure CVC/V/CVC/V, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide solitary into syllables?
By sound, sɒl.ɪ.tər.i. By letters, as a spelling guide, sol-i-tar-y.