Unvoiced Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
unvoiced
[สnหvษษชst ]
Definitions
speech
Not pronounced with vibration of the vocal cords; voiceless.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unvoiced |
Used often to refer to silent or internal thoughts and feelings that are not expressed out loud.
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| voiceless |
Often used to describe someone who lacks the power or ability to express themselves or be heard. Can have a negative connotation.
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| quiet |
Used to describe a lack of noise. Can also reference a peaceful, calm atmosphere or a reserved person.
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| muted |
Commonly used when something is made less intense or less noticeable, often referring to sounds, colors, or reactions.
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Examples of usage
- The unvoiced consonants in English are p, t, k, f, s, sh, ch, and th.
- She whispered in an unvoiced tone so as not to wake the baby.
action
Past tense of unvoice, to deprive of a voice or vote.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unvoiced |
When referring to feelings, thoughts, or opinions that are not expressed out loud. It can also refer to sounds in linguistics that are produced without vibrating the vocal cords.
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| silenced |
Often used with a negative connotation when someone is forcibly prevented from expressing their thoughts, opinions, or feelings.
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| muted |
Typically used to describe sound that has been softened or reduced in volume. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a subdued, restrained reaction or tone.
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| deprived |
Used when talking about someone lacking necessary or desirable things, often in a societal context such as poverty or disadvantage. This word typically has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He unvoiced his opinion after the disagreement.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Linguistics
- In phonetics, unvoiced sounds occur when air passes through the vocal tract without vibrating the vocal cords.
- Common examples of unvoiced sounds include 'p', 's', and 't', which are all produced without voice.
- Languages around the world have different numbers of unvoiced sounds; English has about 9 in its phonetic inventory.
Education
- Phonemic awareness, including recognizing unvoiced sounds, is an important part of early language teaching.
- Practicing unvoiced sounds can help improve pronunciation and listening skills in language learners.
- Teaching games and activities, like sound matching, can engage children in learning about unvoiced sounds.
Music
- In music, unvoiced refers to non-tonal sounds that can add texture, like the beat of a drum without singing.
- Many vocal techniques focus on using only unvoiced sounds to create whimsical sounds, like whispering or breath sounds.
- Unvoiced consonants in lyrics can influence the dynamics of performance, making parts stand out.
Psychology
- The ability to distinguish between voiced and unvoiced sounds is linked to cognitive development in children.
- Studies show that recognizing unvoiced sounds can help improve memory and attention in language learning.
- People who are hard of hearing may rely more on visual cues and context to understand unvoiced speech.
Origin of 'unvoiced'
The word 'unvoiced' has its origins in the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the past tense of the verb 'voice'. It first appeared in the English language in the 17th century, primarily used in linguistic contexts to describe sounds or speech that are not produced with vibration of the vocal cords. Over time, the term has also been adopted in other fields to indicate muting or silencing of voices or opinions.