phonics

[ fon-iks foh-niks ]

noun

, (used with a singular verb)

1. a method of teaching reading and spelling based upon the phonetic interpretation of ordinary spelling.
2. Obsolete. phonetics.

phonics

/ ˈfɒnɪks /

noun

1. an obsolete name for acoustics
2. a method of teaching people to read by training them to associate letters with their phonetic values

Derived Forms

• ˈphonically, adverb
• ˈphonic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phonics¹

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

Example Sentences

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.

From Washington Post

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.

From Washington Post

Phonics is a means to an end and only useful to the extent that it leads to real reading.

From 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.

From Washington Post

Phonics is not a method of teaching reading, but it is a necessary part of every good, modern method.

From Project Gutenberg

As new words are met containing known sounds, the pupils should apply their knowledge of phonics.

From Project Gutenberg

The real difficulty in phonics lies in the fact that the pronunciation of the English language abounds in inconsistencies.

From Project Gutenberg

The attention given to the use of diacritical marks, silent letters, and phonics.

From Project Gutenberg

The second step in my conversion occurred when one of the overworked teachers showed me hastily how to teach Phonics.

From Project Gutenberg