How many syllables are in "suspect"?

"suspect" has exactly 2 syllables. When spoken naturally, the sound breakdown is sus - pect.

Why does "suspect" have different syllable stresses?

"suspect" is a heteronym: as a noun it is stressed as "SUS-pect", while as a verb it shifts stress to "sus-PECT".

In standard English pronunciation, the primary stress falls on the designated emphasized syllable. Stress patterns alter vowel duration and loudness.

Practice saying each syllable slowly (sus... pect), then blend them together with native speaker clips on SayItVid.

Quick Syllable Guide

2 Syllables

There are 2 syllables in "suspect".

Syllable Division:sus·pect

Heteronym Detected: Switch Stress by Part of Speech

Syllable Stress & Rhythm

SUS-pect(sus · pect)● ○

The primary stress in "suspect" falls on the 1st syllable (trochaic noun pattern).

Phonetic IPA:⁄ˈsʌs.pɛkt⁄

Noun Definition: A person suspected of committing a crime.

“Detectives interrogated the prime suspect for hours.”

Listen to the real spoken rhythm, timing, and syllable stress in authentic context.

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IPAˈsʌs.pɛkt

Syllablessus·pect

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27:12

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Complete Pronunciation Guide

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Rhymes & Poetics

Browse 1-syllable, 2-syllable, and slant rhymes with authentic native speaker audio and video examples.

How many syllables are in "suspect"?: "suspect" has exactly 2 syllables. When spoken naturally, the sound breakdown is sus - pect.
Why does "suspect" have different syllable stresses?: "suspect" is a heteronym: as a noun it is stressed as "SUS-pect", while as a verb it shifts stress to "sus-PECT".
Where is the primary stress located in "suspect"?: In standard English pronunciation, the primary stress falls on the designated emphasized syllable. Stress patterns alter vowel duration and loudness.
How can I practice saying "suspect" correctly?: Practice saying each syllable slowly (sus... pect), then blend them together with native speaker clips on SayItVid.