Schwa: meaning, definitions and examples

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schwa

 

[ สƒwษ‘ห ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

phonetics linguistics

The schwa is an unstressed and toneless vowel sound represented by the phonetic symbol /ษ™/. It occurs in many languages, including English, and is typically found in unstressed syllables. This vowel sound is often described as a neutral or mid-central vowel, and it plays an essential role in the rhythm and structure of spoken language.

Examples of usage

  • The schwa sound occurs in the second syllable of 'sofa'.
  • In 'banana', the first and last 'a' are pronounced as schwa.
  • English speakers often use schwa in quick speech for ease of pronunciation.

Translations

Translations of the word "schwa" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น schwa

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคถเฅเคตเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Schwa

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ schwa

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัˆะฒะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ szwa

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ทใƒฅใƒฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท schwa

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ schwa

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ลŸva

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์Šˆ์™€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุดูˆุง

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ schwa

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ schwa

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ–ฝ็“ฆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ schwa

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ schwa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆะฒะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒจแƒ•แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลŸva

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ schwa

Etymology

The term 'schwa' originates from the Hebrew word 'ืฉึฐืื‘ึธื' (sheva), which means 'absence' or 'nothingness'. It was adopted into linguistics in the 19th century as scholars sought to describe vowel sounds in various languages. The schwa is significant in phonetics because it exemplifies the idea of a vowel that carries very little emphasis, serving primarily as a phonetic placeholder to aid in the flow of speech. As the study of linguistics developed, the schwa gained more attention and became essential in phonetic transcription systems such as the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Its prevalence in many languages showcases its importance in understanding spoken language patterns and stress.