phonetics

American  

[fuh-net-iks, foh-] / fəˈnɛt ɪks, foʊ- /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the science or study of speech sounds and their production, transmission, and reception, and their analysis, classification, and transcription.

2. the phonetic system or the body of phonetic facts of a particular language.

3. the symbols used to represent the speech sounds of a language.

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phonetics British  

/ fəˈnɛtɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the science concerned with the study of speech processes, including the production, perception, and analysis of speech sounds from both an acoustic and a physiological point of view. This science, though capable of being applied to language studies, technically excludes linguistic considerations Compare phonology

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Etymology

Origin of phonetics

First recorded in 1835–45; phonetic, -ics

Compare meaning

How does phonetics compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• phonics vs. phonetics

Example Sentences

Sanchez was inspired to create MeowTalk after learning of Susanne Schötz—an associate professor of phonetics, studying cat-human communication at Sweden’s Lund University—and her book The Secret Language of Cats.

From Slate • Nov. 13, 2023

But Judith Onwuzurike, a phonetics teacher in Abuja, says putting an effort into speak like the British is a sign of respect.

From BBC • Sep. 8, 2023

He said he used his own version of phonetics to create songs so quickly that he could write up to nine in a day.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 27, 2023

The work can start with spelling out the phonetics or giving recordings to help an actor practice.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2023

“Madame,” Princesse said, calling upon her phonetics lessons in order to sound less native and more French.

From "Krik? Krak!" by Edwidge Danticat

Related Words

• accent
• diction
• utterance