How Many Syllables In Vacillate?
3syllables
Vacillate has 3 syllables, vac-i-llate. It is a trisyllabic word.
vacillate
/ˈvæs.ɪ.leɪt/ UK /ˈvæs.ə.leɪt/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, vac.
Syllable Structure
CVC/V/CVC
Division By Sound
/væs.ɪ.leɪt/
Division By Letters
vac-i-llate
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Vacillate
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 | v | æ | s | CVC | closed |
| 2 | – | ɪ | – | V | open |
| 3 | l | eɪ | t | CVC | closed |
Why Vacillate Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /æ/, so it keeps a coda /s/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in vacillate?
Vacillate has 3 syllables, vac-i-llate. In British English it is transcribed /ˈvæs.ɪ.leɪt/.
Which syllable is stressed in vacillate?
The first syllable, vac, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of vacillate?
Vacillate has the structure CVC/V/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide vacillate into syllables?
By sound, væs.ɪ.leɪt. By letters, as a spelling guide, vac-i-llate.