linguistics — the scientific study of language and its structure
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the scientific study of language and its structure
Pronunciation (IPA): /lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪks/
Example Sentences
- My linguistics professor can speak 12 languages but still can't figure out what my cat is saying.
- Studying linguistics helps you understand why English spelling is so confusing.
- Thanks to linguistics, I now know there are 47 different ways to say 'uh' in Korean.
linguistics
NOUN[/lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪks/]
the scientific study of language and its structure
the scientific study of language and its structure
Linguistics reveals characteristics through statistics!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Linguistics derives from Latin 'lingua', meaning 'tongue' or 'language', reflecting the historical understanding of the tongue as the primary instrument of speech. The term evolved to denote the scientific study of language and its structural properties, extending beyond the physical organ to encompass the abstract system of communication.
Breakdown
lingua- (Latin 'lingua': language, tongue) + -istics (suffix forming nouns denoting fields of study or systems of knowledge).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My linguistics professor can speak 12 languages but still can't figure out what my cat is saying.”
“Studying linguistics helps you understand why English spelling is so confusing.”
“Thanks to linguistics, I now know there are 47 different ways to say 'uh' in Korean.”
“Linguistics research reveals fascinating patterns in how children acquire language.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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