Phonetic: meaning, definitions and examples

🔤
Add to dictionary

phonetic

 

[ fəˈnɛtɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

linguistic term

Phonetic refers to the sounds of human speech. It encompasses both the physical properties of sounds and the abstract elements of language. The study of phonetics involves analyzing vowels, consonants, and how they are articulated. Phonetic transcription is a system for representing sounds using symbols, making it easier to understand pronunciation.

Synonyms

articulatory, auditory, sound-related

Examples of usage

  • He used phonetic symbols to demonstrate pronunciation.
  • Phonetic analysis helps in language learning.
  • Phonetic spelling clarifies how to pronounce words.

Translations

Translations of the word "phonetic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fonético

🇮🇳 ध्वन्यात्मक

🇩🇪 phonetisch

🇮🇩 fonetik

🇺🇦 фонетичний

🇵🇱 fonetyczny

🇯🇵 音声的

🇫🇷 phonétique

🇪🇸 fonético

🇹🇷 fonetik

🇰🇷 음성의

🇸🇦 فونيتيك

🇨🇿 fonetický

🇸🇰 fonetický

🇨🇳 语音的

🇸🇮 fonetičen

🇮🇸 hljóðkerfisfræði

🇰🇿 фонетикалық

🇬🇪 ფონეტიკური

🇦🇿 fonetik

🇲🇽 fonético

Etymology

The term 'phonetic' originates from the Greek word 'phone', meaning 'voice' or 'sound'. It was first introduced in the 19th century as linguists began formalizing the study of sounds in speech. The branch of linguistics known today as phonetics developed as scholars sought to understand the intricate details of how sounds are produced and perceived. Over time, phonetics has expanded to include various methods for transcribing sounds, such as the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which provides a consistent framework to represent the wide variety of human speech sounds. This evolution has made phonetics a crucial component in fields like linguistics, language education, and even speech therapy.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,116, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.