Background for suprasegmental

suprasegmental

/ˌsuːprəsɛɡˈmɛntl/ /ˌsuːprəˌsɛɡˈmɛntl/

Illustration suprasegmental - Image 1

noun

An effect on speech, such as length, stress, tone, and phonation type, that extends over more than one segment of sounds.

Examples :

"The suprasegmental of his question – the drawn-out vowels and questioning intonation – told me he wasn't just asking for information; he needed reassurance. "

language phonetics linguistics sound

Illustration suprasegmental - Image 1

adjective

Of or relating to a suprasegmental.

Examples :

"The speaker's meaning changed completely depending on the suprasegmental features they used, like emphasizing different words or using a sarcastic tone. "

language linguistics phonetics

Illustration suprasegmental - Image 1

adjective

More than a segment.

Examples :

"The meaning of "present" can change entirely based on the suprasegmental features like stress and intonation used when you say it. "

language linguistics phonetics