Phonic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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phonic

[ˈfɒnɪk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

related to sound

Phonic relates to the sounds of speech or other forms of auditory communication. It often pertains to phonics, which is the method of teaching reading by correlating sounds with their spelling. In linguistics, phonics is essential for understanding how spoken words translate into written language. This term is frequently used in educational contexts to describe approaches that emphasize sound recognition and pronunciation.

Synonyms

acoustic, auditory, sonic.

Examples of usage

  • Phonic awareness is crucial for early literacy.
  • The teacher used phonic drills to improve students' reading skills.
  • Phonic exercises can help with proper pronunciation in a new language.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Education

  • Phonics instruction emphasizes the relationship between letters and sounds, helping students decode new words.
  • Studies show that phonics is an effective way to teach reading, especially for early learners.
  • Teachers often use songs and rhymes to make learning phonics more engaging for children.

Linguistics

  • Phonics is an essential component of phonology, the study of sounds in a language.
  • Different languages have varying phonetic systems, which influences how phonics is taught worldwide.
  • The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) provides a standardized way to represent sounds, crucial for learning phonics.

Pop Culture

  • Phonics played a pivotal role in various educational shows, like 'Sesame Street', introducing children to letter sounds.
  • The popular children's book 'Chicka Chicka Boom Boom' emphasizes phonics through rhymes and playful language.
  • Countless mobile apps and games focus on phonics skills, making learning fun for today’s tech-savvy kids.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that phonological awareness is a strong predictor of reading success in early childhood.
  • Phonics instruction can enhance language skills, contributing to improved overall academic performance.
  • Understanding phonics helps in developing better communication skills, which is vital for social interactions.

Origin of 'phonic'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'phonic' originates from the Greek word 'phone', which means 'sound' or 'voice'.
  • In the early 20th century, the term started being used in education to describe approaches that teach reading by sounds.
  • Phonics became mainstream in the 1950s as a systematic method for teaching children to read.

The term 'phonic' derives from the Greek word 'phōnē', meaning 'voice' or 'sound'. The word began to be used in English language around the early 19th century. It was influenced by the growth of phonetics, the scientific study of sounds in human speech. Phonics as a method of teaching began to gain popularity in the 20th century, emphasizing the connection between letters and their corresponding sounds. It played a crucial role in developing early reading skills among children. Over time, the term has expanded to encompass various educational approaches that prioritize sound recognition as vital in literacy development and language education.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,646 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.