Background for phonology
BeDict Logo

phonology

/fəˈnɒlədʒi/ /fəˈnɑlədʒi/

Meanings
noun
The study of the way sounds function in languages, including phonemes, syllable structure, stress, accent, intonation, and which sounds are distinctive units within a language.

Examples :

"The student is taking a class in phonology to learn about how English sounds combine and create meaning. "
language linguistics phonetics sound grammar

Related Words

Illustration pronounce

pronounce verb

/pɹəˈnaʊns/

To declare formally, officially or ceremoniously.

"I hereby pronounce you man and wife."

Illustration including

including verb

/ɪnˈkluːdɪŋ/

To bring into a group, class, set, or total as a (new) part or member.

"I will purchase the vacation package if you will include car rental."

Illustration differences

differences noun

/ˈdɪfɹənsɪz/

The quality of being different.

"You need to learn to be more tolerant of difference."

Illustration phonological

phonological adjective

/ˌfɒnəlˈɒdʒɪkəl/ /ˌfoʊnəlˈɑdʒɪkəl/

Of or relating to phonology.

"The student struggled with the phonological rules of English, often mixing up similar sounds like "b" and "p." "

Illustration intonation

intonation noun

/ɪntɵˈneɪʃən/

The rise and fall of the voice in speaking.

"The teacher's intonation helped the students understand the difference between a question and a statement. "

Illustration professor

professor noun

/pɹəˈfɛsə/ /pɹəˈfɛsɚ/

The most senior rank for an academic at a university or similar institution, informally also known as "full professor." Abbreviated Prof.

"Professor Smith, the head of the history department, gave a fascinating lecture on the Roman Empire. "

Illustration structure

structure noun

/ˈstɹʌktʃə(ɹ)/ /ˈstɹʌktʃɚ/

A cohesive whole built up of distinct parts.

"The birds had built an amazing structure out of sticks and various discarded items."

Illustration distinctive

distinctive noun

/dɪˈstɪŋktɪv/

A distinctive thing: a quality or property permitting distinguishing; a characteristic.

"Her distinctive laugh, a high-pitched giggle, could be heard across the entire playground. "

Illustration explained

explained verb

/ɪkˈspleɪnd/

To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to illustrate the meaning of.

"To explain a chapter of the Bible."

Illustration languages

languages noun

/ˈlæŋɡwɪd͡ʒɪz/

A body of words, and set of methods of combining them (called a grammar), understood by a community and used as a form of communication.

"Deaf and mute people communicate using languages like ASL."

Illustration understanding

understanding verb

/ʌndəˈstandɪŋ/ /ˌʌndəɹˈstændɪŋ/

To grasp a concept fully and thoroughly, especially (of words, statements, art, etc.) to be aware of the meaning of and (of people) to be aware of the intent of.

"The teacher patiently explained the math problem, and the students were able to understand the steps involved. "

Illustration accurately

accurately adverb

/ˈæk.jə.ɹɪt.li/

In an accurate manner; exactly; precisely; without error or defect.

"The student answered the math questions accurately. "