subvocal

American

[suhb-voh-kuhl] / sʌbˈvoʊ kəl /

adjective

mentally formulated as words, especially without vocalization.

Etymology

Origin of subvocal

First recorded in 1920–25; sub- + vocal

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If so, why would schizophrenics happen to notice their subvocal speech while healthy people do not?

From Slate • Mar. 2, 2016

We may think we are making an objective decision when we are actually responding to subvocal messages of hopelessness.

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2013

And then there have been folks who've suggested covert communication capabilities — subvocal modes for communicating between people.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 1, 2011

"He can convey a whole substratum of ironic analysis and passive-aggressive malaise in the smallest, nearly subvocal 'Hm?' sound."

From The Guardian • Feb. 20, 2011

When an aspirate and subvocal comes together, it is necessary to change the sound of one or the other, to make the combination pronounceable.

From 1001 Questions and Answers on Orthography and Reading by Hathaway, B. A.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023