Cedilla Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
cedilla
[sษหdilษ ]
Definition
diacritical mark
A cedilla is a diacritical mark that appears as a hook or tail placed under a letter, usually the letter 'c'. It is used in various languages, including French and Portuguese, to indicate that the letter should be pronounced with a soft 's' sound instead of a hard 'k' sound. For example, in French, 'faรงade' includes a cedilla under the 'c', changing its pronunciation. The cedilla helps clarify pronunciation and ensures that words are pronounced correctly in languages where letter sounds may vary.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The word 'faรงade' uses a cedilla.
- In French, the cedilla under 'c' softens the sound.
- The correct pronunciation of 'garรงon' features a cedilla.
- A cedilla is crucial in distinguishing meaning in some words.
- The letter 'รง' differs from 'c' due to the cedilla.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Linguistics
- In languages like French and Portuguese, a cedilla is placed under the letter 'c' to signify that it should be pronounced as 's,' as in 'faรงade.'
- Itโs also used in the Turkish alphabet, where it modifies the pronunciation of the letter 'c' to a 'j' sound, as in 'cenaze.'
- The use of a cedilla varies across dialects, illustrating how sounds can change even within the same language family.
Cultural Significance
- In French culture, the cedilla is prevalent in many commonly used words, contributing to the melody and rhythm of the language.
- Spanish speakers often use the cedilla in words like 'francรฉs,' shaping their language's identity and pronunciation style.
- Cultural events and literature often arise from the variations in language usage brought about by diacritical marks like cedillas.
Technology
- In the digital age, typing accents like cedillas can be complex, leading to special character codes in word processing software.
- Software programs and keyboards often include shortcuts to type diacritical marks, simplifying communication across languages.
- Font design incorporates cedillas to maintain aesthetic and functional integrity across multilingual publications.
Origin of 'cedilla'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'cedilla' comes from the Spanish word 'cedilla,' which means 'little tail,' reflecting its shape.
- It has its roots in the Latin word 'caudicula,' meaning 'little tail,' emphasizing its function to modify sounds.
- Originally, the cedilla was used in Spanish texts in the 12th century, altering letters to convey different sounds.
The term 'cedilla' is derived from the Spanish word 'cedilla', which itself comes from the Latin word 'caudilla', meaning 'little tail'. This term reflects the appearance of the mark, which resembles a small tail or hook. The cedilla has its origins in the Middle Ages when it was introduced into writing systems to modify the pronunciation of letters. It became particularly prominent in Iberian languages, especially Spanish and Portuguese, and later found its way into French and other languages. The use of the cedilla to modify the sound of 'c' is essential in helping distinguish between hard and soft sounds, particularly in cases where identical spellings could lead to confusion in pronunciation. The cedilla remains a significant element in written language, embodying the evolution of diacritical marks in different linguistic contexts.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #41,671, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.