U: meaning, definitions and examples
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U
[ juː ]
letter, alphabet
The letter 'U' is the 21st letter of the English alphabet. It is used to represent various sounds in English, primarily the vowel sound /juː/ as in 'universe' or /ʌ/ as in 'cup'. The letter can also be used in various abbreviations and symbols.
Examples of usage
- U is for 'unicorn'.
- Please write the letter U.
- The grade 'U' stands for ungraded.
- He scored an A, but I got a U.
second person
The pronoun 'U' is an informal representation of 'you'. It is commonly used in text messaging and casual communication to refer to the person being addressed.
Examples of usage
- How are U doing?
- U should come to the party.
- I miss U!
- U know what I mean?
Etymology
The letter 'U' has its origins in the Latin alphabet, which evolved from the Greek letter 'Ypsilon' (Υ, υ). The English alphabet inherited the letter 'U' from Latin and Greek, where it originally represented a vowel sound similar to modern 'v'. Its form has changed over centuries, with the original shape derived from the Phoenician letter 'Waw'. Initially, 'U' was used interchangeably with 'V' in Latin inscriptions; it was not until the Renaissance that the distinct shapes for 'U' and 'V' solidified in usage. 'U' has retained its significance as both a vowel and a letter representing specific sounds, contributing to its essential role in language. In modern contexts, 'U' is widely recognized not only in standard writing but also as a symbol of casual communication, especially in digital formats.