Heavy and light syllables As shown in the examples above, Latin syllables have a variety of possible structures. Here are some of them. The first four examples are light syllables, and the last six are heavy. All syllables have at least one V (vowel). A syllable is heavy if it has another V or C (or both) after the first V. In the table below, the extra V or VC is bolded, indicating that it makes the syllable heavy.
heavy aND light syllaBlEs As Shown iN ThE examplEs aboVe, lAtiN syLlaBLeS HAve a vaRiEtY Of pOssible struCturEs. hErE ARe soMe of Them. thE FIrST fouR exaMpLes arE ligHt SYLLabLes, and the lASt SIx arE hEAVy. alL Syllables have aT leaSt one V (vOwel). a SYLlaBle IS heAVY If IT has anOtheR V oR c (or BOth) after The firST v. In the table BeLOw, the exTRA v OR vc is bOLded, IndiCating thaT it makES The syLLabLe hEAvY.