phonetic — relating to speech sounds and their production, combination, description, and representation by written symbols
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: relating to speech sounds and their production, combination, description, and representation by written symbols
Pronunciation (IPA): /fəˈnetɪk/
Example Sentences
- My English teacher uses phonetic symbols that look like alien hieroglyphics to me.
- The phonetic differences between British and American English can be quite significant.
- Learning phonetic notation is like getting a secret code to pronounce any word correctly.
phonetic
ADJECTIVE[/fəˈnetɪk/]
relating to speech sounds and their production, combination, description, and representation by written symbols

The linguist writes phonetic symbols on the board to show exact pronunciation.

Phonetic symbols are magnetic, even to athletic minds!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Greek 'phonetikos', itself formed from 'phonein' (to speak) and 'phone' (sound, voice). The term emerged as ancient Greek scholars developed systematic interest in the scientific study of sounds and speech.
Breakdown
phon- (sound, voice, from Greek phonein meaning 'to speak') + -etic (relating to, adjective-forming suffix). The suffix -etic derives from Greek -etikos, indicating relation or pertinence to the root concept.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My English teacher uses phonetic symbols that look like alien hieroglyphics to me.”
“The phonetic differences between British and American English can be quite significant.”
“Learning phonetic notation is like getting a secret code to pronounce any word correctly.”
“The dictionary's phonetic guide helped me finally pronounce 'quinoa' without embarrassing myself.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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