How many syllables in “despair”?
syllables in "despair"
Word details
Syllables
2
de · spair
Letters
7
d · e · s · p · a · i · r
Scrabble
10
points
Scrabble letter values
Count another word
About the word “despair”
The word “despair” contains 2 syllables, divided as de · spair. It has 7 letters.
FAQ
How many syllables does "despair" have?
"despair" has 2 syllables.
How do you divide "despair" into syllables?
"despair" is divided into syllables as: de · spair.
What is the Scrabble score for "despair"?
The Scrabble score for "despair" is 10 points.
Using “despair” in writing
Two-syllable words like "despair" (de · spair) are the building blocks of iambic rhythm — the most common meter in English poetry. If the stress falls on the second syllable (da-DUM), it forms a perfect iamb, ideal for sonnets and iambic pentameter. It also fits neatly into the 5- or 7-syllable lines of a haiku.
In word games
In Scrabble and Words With Friends, “despair” is worth 10 base points before any board multipliers. A solid mid-range score. Landing a high-value letter on a double letter square will push your total higher.
Anagrams of “despair”
The letters in “despair” can be rearranged to spell 3 other words: aspired, diapers, praised.