How Many Syllables In Stiffness?
2syllables
Stiffness has 2 syllables, stiff-ness. It is a disyllabic word.
stiffness
/ˈstɪf.nəs/ UK /ˈstɪf.nəs/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, stiff.
Syllable Structure
CCVC/CVC
Division By Sound
/stɪf.nəs/
Division By Letters
stiff-ness
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Stiffness
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 | st | ɪ | f | CCVC | closed |
| 2 | n | ə | s | CVC | closed |
Why Stiffness Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /f/.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˈstɪf.nəs/ | /ˈstɪf.nəs/ | 2 |
| Also | /ˈstɪf.nɪs/ | 2 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in stiffness?
Stiffness has 2 syllables, stiff-ness. In British English it is transcribed /ˈstɪf.nəs/.
Which syllable is stressed in stiffness?
The first syllable, stiff, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of stiffness?
Stiffness has the structure CCVC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide stiffness into syllables?
By sound, stɪf.nəs. By letters, as a spelling guide, stiff-ness.