Vocable: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฃ๏ธ
vocable
[ หvoสkษbl ]
linguistics term
A vocable is a word or term that can express a sound but may not have a specific meaning in the language used. It is often associated with sounds or phonemes that function as words without bearing semantic content. Vocables are common in music and poetry, where they can serve rhythmic or melodic purposes. In some contexts, vocables might be used to explore the phonetic aspects of language rather than its semantic dimensions.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The singer used vocables to enhance the melody.
- Children often play with vocables in their early speech development.
- In some indigenous languages, vocables serve as expressions in songs.
Translations
Translations of the word "vocable" in other languages:
๐ต๐น vocรกbulo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคถเคฌเฅเคฆ
๐ฉ๐ช Wort
๐ฎ๐ฉ kata
๐บ๐ฆ ัะปะพะฒะพ
๐ต๐ฑ sลowo
๐ฏ๐ต ่ช
๐ซ๐ท mot
๐ช๐ธ palabra
๐น๐ท kelime
๐ฐ๐ท ๋จ์ด
๐ธ๐ฆ ููู ุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ slovo
๐ธ๐ฐ slovo
๐จ๐ณ ่ฏ
๐ธ๐ฎ beseda
๐ฎ๐ธ orรฐ
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัำฉะท
๐ฌ๐ช แชแฎแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ sรถz
๐ฒ๐ฝ palabra
Etymology
The term 'vocable' originates from the Latin word 'vocabulum', which means 'name' or 'word'. The Latin root 'vocare' means 'to call', reflecting the fundamental aspect of words as vehicles for communication. The term began to appear in English texts during the late 14th century, particularly in contexts discussing linguistics and language structure. Over the centuries, 'vocable' has retained its association with the sound and form of words, especially in discussions about the phonetic qualities of language. The distinction between a vocable and a meaningful word illustrates the complexities of language, where sound can exist independently of meaning. As linguistics evolved as a field, the concept of vocables gained relevance in examining how language is constructed and perceived.