Definition

A letter or group of letters that can represent the same sound in different forms, like how 'f' and 'gh' can both make the /f/ sound. It can also refer to different shapes of a letter or a signature written by one person for another.

Example

In the word 'enough', the letters 'gh' serve as an allograph for the phoneme /f/.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how many different ways we can write the same letter?

Yeah, I find it interesting that each one can be an allograph of the same phoneme.

Exactly! Like how 'A' can look so different depending on the font.

Right, it's amazing how something so simple can have so many forms.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Allograph → It is formed from "allo-" (from Greek "allos", meaning other or different) and "graph" (from Greek "grapho", meaning to write). The word "allograph" refers to a different form of writing or representation, particularly in the context of signatures or handwriting.

Memory Tip

Think of 'other' ('allo-') forms of 'writing' ('graph') — that's why an allograph refers to a different way of writing.

Visually Confused Words