GUTTURAL Meaning and
Definition
-
Guttural is an adjective used to describe sounds that are produced from the back of the throat, resulting in a harsh, rasping or throaty quality. The term originates from the Latin word guttur, meaning throat, which accurately represents the nature of these sounds. Guttural sounds often require the contraction or closure of the muscles in the throat, leading to a distinct and sometimes unpleasant tone.
In phonetics, guttural sounds are classified as consonants that are pronounced using the back of the tongue and the throat. The most common examples of guttural sounds can be found in languages like Arabic, Hebrew, or German, with letters like "kh," "ch," or "g," respectively. These sounds are often characterized by their rough, deep, and intense resonance, which can be challenging for non-native speakers to reproduce accurately.
Beyond linguistics, guttural can also be used metaphorically to describe any form of speech that is coarse, rough, or harsh in nature, regardless of the specific sounds produced. Alternatively, guttural can refer to anything that elicits a visceral or instinctive reaction, similar to a physical sensation felt in the throat. This interpretation can apply to both verbal and nonverbal forms of communication, emphasizing the emotive power and intensity of the message being conveyed.
-
Relating to the throat, throaty.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
-
• A letter pronounced in the throat.
• Formed in the throat; pert. to the throat.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for GUTTURAL *
* 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 GUTTURAL
Etymology of GUTTURAL
The word "guttural" comes from the Latin word "guttur", which means "throat". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *gʷewd-, meaning "to swallow". This root gave rise to several related words in various Indo-European languages, including "gurgulio" in Old Latin and "gorge" in English, both of which refer to the throat. Over time, "guttural" came to refer to sounds or speech produced in the throat and, by extension, to any sound that is deep, harsh, or guttural in nature.
Similar spelling word for GUTTURAL
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
