DIPHTHONG Meaning and
Definition
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A diphthong, within the context of linguistics, refers to a gliding sound made by combining two vowel sounds within a single syllable. It is a type of vocal sound in which the tongue moves from one vowel sound to another smoothly, resulting in a combined sound. Diphthongs are a distinctive feature of various languages worldwide and are typically characterized by a change in the quality or position of the tongue during their production.
There are numerous examples of diphthongs in different languages, such as the English words "boy," "house," and "height." In these words, the vowel sounds glide from one to another, creating a combined sound. The constituents of a diphthong can be any two vowel sounds, either from the same vowel group or different groups.
When pronouncing a diphthong, the speaker's tongue moves from a more closed to an open position, hence creating a distinct gliding effect. Diphthongs can be found in both stressed and unstressed syllables, and their presence contributes to the overall phonetic diversity and richness of a language's sound system.
Understanding and recognizing diphthongs is vital for proper pronunciation and comprehension of many languages. Fluency in a language often requires mastering and accurately producing the various diphthongs used in its vocabulary. Therefore, identifying the specific diphthongs present in a language is fundamental in developing proficient speaking skills.
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Two vowels sounded together in one syllable; the union of two vowels in one sound.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for DIPHTHONG *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for DIPHTHONG
Etymology of DIPHTHONG
The word diphthong comes from the Greek language. It is a combination of two Greek words: di meaning two and phthongos meaning sound or voice.
Similar spelling words for DIPHTHONG
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