phonics

[ fon-iks or, for 2, foh-niks ]

/ ˈfɒn ɪks or, for 2, ˈfoʊ nɪks /

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noun (used with a singular verb)

a method of teaching reading and spelling based upon the phonetic interpretation of ordinary spelling.

Obsolete. phonetics.

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Origin of phonics

First recorded in 1675–85; phon- + -ics

Words nearby phonics

phonetist, Phonevision, phoney, phoniatrics, phonic, phonics, phono, phonoangiography, phonocardiogram, phonocardiograph, phonocatheter

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

How to use phonics in a sentence

There are also reasonable professional differences about what phonics instruction should look like, how much of it is necessary, for whom, under what circumstances, and how it connects with other aspects of reading.
Is there really a ‘science of reading’ that tells us exactly how to teach kids to read?|Valerie Strauss|January 26, 2021|Washington Post
The need for these terms reflects the complexity English spelling, adding a conceptual burden to teaching and learning phonics and raising a question about when phonics instruction may have diminishing returns.
Is there really a ‘science of reading’ that tells us exactly how to teach kids to read?|Valerie Strauss|January 26, 2021|Washington Post
Early this fall, Lauren, who asked to be identified only by her first name to avoid unwanted publicity for her school or colleagues, downloaded a phonics lesson she hadn’t taught before and assigned it to her remote students.
Distance learning is straining parent-teacher relationships|Ashley Fetters|November 12, 2020|Washington Post
Phonics is not a method of teaching reading, but it is a necessary part of every good, modern method.
How to Teach Phonics|Lida M. Williams

As new words are met containing known sounds, the pupils should apply their knowledge of phonics.
How to Teach Phonics|Lida M. Williams
The real difficulty in phonics lies in the fact that the pronunciation of the English language abounds in inconsistencies.
How to Teach Phonics|Lida M. Williams
The attention given to the use of diacritical marks, silent letters, and phonics.
History of France|Charlotte M. Yonge
The second step in my conversion occurred when one of the overworked teachers showed me hastily how to teach Phonics.
Life's Minor Collisions|Frances Warner

British Dictionary definitions for phonics

phonics

/ (ˈfɒnɪks) /

noun (functioning as singular)

an obsolete name for acoustics (def. 1)

a method of teaching people to read by training them to associate letters with their phonetic values

Derived forms of phonics

phonic, adjectivephonically, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012