EPENTHESIS Meaning and
Definition
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Epenthesis is a phonological process in language that involves the addition of an extra sound or syllable to a word. It is a form of phonetic alteration that occurs when speech sounds are inserted between or within existing sounds or syllables. This additional sound may be a vowel or consonant, and its purpose is to improve pronunciation by ease of articulation or to conform to certain linguistic rules.
The insertion of sounds by epenthesis typically occurs to break up difficult or awkward sequences of consonants, thereby facilitating smoother speech. For instance, in the English language, epenthesis may occur when pronouncing words such as "ath-a-lete" instead of "athlete" or "film-uh" instead of "film." This additional sound helps to maintain syllable structure and make pronunciation more cohesive.
Epenthesis can also occur to adhere to certain phonetic or phonological rules within a language. Some languages require specific sounds or structures, and epenthesis provides a solution for conforming to these rules. For example, in Japanese, epenthesis is used to insert a vowel sound, such as "u," between certain consonant clusters that are considered difficult to pronounce.
Overall, epenthesis is a phonological process that involves the insertion of extra sounds or syllables within words to improve pronunciation, facilitate speech, or adhere to certain linguistic rules.
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In gram., the insertion of an additional letter or syllable in the middle of a word.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for EPENTHESIS
Etymology of EPENTHESIS
The word epenthesis has its origins in the Greek language. The root of the term comes from the Greek word epentithenai, which means to insert or to put in. Epi means upon or in, and entithenai means to put or to place. It is derived from the verb en, meaning in, and tithenai, meaning to place. Therefore, epenthesis literally translates to to put in upon or to insert in.
Similar spelling words for EPENTHESIS
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