digraph

[ dahy-graf, -grahf ]

noun

1. a pair of letters representing a single speech sound, as ea in meat or th in path.

digraph

/ ˈdaɪɡrɑːf; daɪˈɡræfɪk; -ɡræf /

noun

1. a combination of two letters or characters used to represent a single speech sound such as gh in English tough Compare ligature diphthong

Derived Forms

• digraphic, adjective

Other Words From

• di·graph·ic [dahy-, graf, -ik], adjective
• di·graphi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of digraph¹

First recorded in 1780–90; di- ¹ + -graph

Example Sentences

A consonant or digraph between two sounded vowels usually joins the following vowel, rea-son, no-ti-fy, mo-ther.

From Project Gutenberg

When a consonant is doubled (not forming a digraph) the two are generally separated; beg-gar, bril-liant, cun-ning.

From Project Gutenberg

Excess (ss digraph, pronounced practically like a single s) gives ex-cess-es, ex-cess-ive, etc.

From Project Gutenberg

The digraph th is represented in Old English texts by and , no consistent distinction being made between them.

From Project Gutenberg

A digraph may either be a combination of two consonants or of two vowels or of a vowel and a consonant.

From Project Gutenberg