The spelling of the word "ventriloquise" can be tricky, but understanding the phonetic transcription in IPA can help. The word is pronounced /vɛntrələkwɪz/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "t" in the second syllable is silent, and the "e" at the end is pronounced as a schwa sound. Furthermore, the "qu" in the third syllable is pronounced as a "kw" sound. With this knowledge, one can spell and pronounce "ventriloquise" with ease.
Ventriloquise is a verb that means the act of performing ventriloquism. Ventriloquism is a form of stagecraft or entertainment where an individual, known as a ventriloquist, produces the illusion of speaking without moving their lips, making it seem like the words are coming from a separate source, usually a puppet or dummy.
The term "ventriloquise" is derived from the word "ventriloquism," which itself originates from the Latin words "venter" meaning "belly" and "loqui" meaning "to speak." This refers to the technique where the ventriloquist appears to make their voice come from their stomach or another area of their body.
Ventriloquism requires the ventriloquist to possess excellent vocal skills and control over their voice to create the illusion of a conversation between themselves and the puppet. The ventriloquist manipulates the puppet, providing movement and expression, while simultaneously voicing different characters to simulate a dialogue.
In contemporary entertainment, ventriloquism is commonly seen in performances by comedians, magicians, or stage performers. Ventriloquists utilize their skills to entertain audiences by creating humorous, witty, or even poignant interactions between themselves and the puppet. Ventriloquism has a long history and has been a popular form of entertainment since ancient times when it was associated with mystical or supernatural abilities.
Overall, to ventriloquise means to display the skill of ventriloquism - the art of speaking as if one's voice is coming from a different source, typically a puppet or dummy.
To speak as a ventriloquist.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "ventriloquise" is derived from the combination of two Latin words: "venter" meaning "belly" and "loqui" meaning "to speak". In Ancient times, a ventriloquist was believed to be speaking from their stomach or gut instead of their actual mouth, which led to the creation of the term. Over time, the word "ventriloquise" was formed to describe the act of producing sounds or speaking without moving the lips, typically by a skilled performer who can create the illusion of voices originating from elsewhere.