How Many Syllables In Superficial?
4syllables
Superficial has 4 syllables, su-per-fic-ial. It is a polysyllabic word.
superficial
/ˌsuː.pəˈfɪʃ.əl/ UK /ˌsuː.pɚˈfɪʃ.əl/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, fic.
Syllable Structure
CV/CV/CVC/VC
Division By Sound
/suː.pə.fɪʃ.əl/
Division By Letters
su-per-fic-ial
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Superficial
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 secondary stress | s | uː | – | CV | open |
| 2 | p | ə | – | CV | open |
| 3 primary stress | f | ɪ | ʃ | CVC | closed |
| 4 | – | ə | l | VC | closed |
Why Superficial Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /p/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /f/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 3 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /ʃ/.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˌsuː.pəˈfɪʃ.əl/ | /ˌsuː.pɚˈfɪʃ.əl/ | 4 |
| Also | /ˌsjuː.pəˈfɪʃ.əl/ | 4 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in superficial?
Superficial has 4 syllables, su-per-fic-ial. In British English it is transcribed /ˌsuː.pəˈfɪʃ.əl/.
Which syllable is stressed in superficial?
The third syllable, fic, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of superficial?
Superficial has the structure CV/CV/CVC/VC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide superficial into syllables?
By sound, suː.pə.fɪʃ.əl. By letters, as a spelling guide, su-per-fic-ial.
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