Vocalic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vocalic

[vəʊˈkælɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

sound quality

Relating to or produced by the voice or vowels.

Synonyms

sonant, vowel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vocalic

Used in linguistic and phonetic contexts to describe sounds that are related to or consisting of vowels. Typically used in academic or technical discussions about language and sounds.

  • The vocalic system of this language is particularly complex.
  • In the study of phonology, vocalic sounds play a crucial role.
vowel

Commonly used in both everyday language and academic contexts to refer to letters and sounds like 'a,' 'e,' 'i,' 'o,' 'u.' It is a broad term that non-specialists are more likely to use.

  • Each syllable must contain at least one vowel.
  • The English language has five primary vowels.
sonant

Primarily used in linguistics and phonetics to refer to sounds voiced by the vocal cords. Often used in scholarly articles or discussions about the properties of sounds.

  • Sonant consonants include sounds like 'm,' 'n,' and 'l.'
  • In certain languages, sonant sounds are essential for meaning differentiation.

Examples of usage

  • The vocalic sounds in the English language include a, e, i, o, u.
  • Her vocalic range is truly impressive.
Context #2 | Noun

linguistics

A vocalic sound in a language, such as a vowel.

Synonyms

sonant, vowel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vocalic

This term is often used in linguistics to refer to sounds that are produced with a specific vowel quality. It's quite technical and not used in everyday conversation.

  • The word features a prominent vocalic sound.
  • In this phonetic study, the vocalic elements are highlighted.
vowel

A vowel refers to a speech sound that is produced without any significant constriction of airflow in the vocal tract. It's the most common and broadly understood term among the group.

  • In English, there are five main vowels: A, E, I, O, U.
  • The letter 'O' is a vowel.
sonant

Sonant is used similarly to 'vocalic' to describe sound aspects of speech, emphasizing tones that can be voiced. This term is also more technical and is used in linguistic studies.

  • The sonant quality of the musical piece was remarkable.
  • Linguists often analyze the sonant parts of languages.

Examples of usage

  • In the word 'cat,' the 'a' is a vocalic sound.
  • Vocalics are an important aspect of phonetics.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • In phonetics, vocalic sounds are produced by the open configuration of the vocal tract, allowing air to flow freely.
  • Vowels are often considered vocalic sounds since they form the core of syllables in many languages.
  • Understanding vocalic patterns helps linguists analyze language sounds and their structures more effectively.

Education

  • Teaching vocalic sounds is crucial in early literacy, helping children recognize the sounds within words.
  • Phonics programs often include vocalic practice to improve reading and pronunciation skills.
  • Engaging activities, like singing or rhyming, can enhance learning vocalic sounds for young learners.

Acoustics

  • Vocalic sounds are shaped by factors such as tongue position and lip rounding, influencing how we perceive speech.
  • The quality of vocalic sounds is essential in distinguishing different speech patterns and accents.
  • Studying acoustic properties of vocalic sounds helps in fields like speech therapy and communication sciences.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, vocalic sounds play a crucial role in music, enhancing the expressiveness of songs.
  • Different languages utilize vocalic sounds in unique ways, influencing phonetic diversity worldwide.
  • Performance art, like poetry slams, often relies on vocalic sounds for dramatic effect and emotional resonance.

Origin of 'vocalic'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'vocalic' comes from the Latin 'vocalis', meaning 'of the voice'.
  • Its roots are closely linked to the word 'vocal', which refers to producing sound with the voice.
  • The suffix '-ic' indicates that the word relates to or is characteristic of something.

The word 'vocalic' originated in the late 19th century, derived from the Latin word 'vocalis,' meaning 'vocal' or 'of the voice.' It is closely related to the study of phonetics and linguistics, focusing on sounds produced by the voice or vowels in language. The term 'vocalic' is commonly used in academic and linguistic contexts to describe specific sounds and elements of speech.


See also: multivocality, univocal, vocalese, vocalist, vocalization, vocalize, vocalized, vocalizer, vocalizing.