Definition

The removal of one or more sounds or letters from the end of a word.

Example

In linguistics, apocope refers to the dropping of the final sounds of a word.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about apocope in linguistics?

No, I haven't! What does it mean?

It's when sounds or letters are dropped from the end of a word, like how 'sing' comes from 'singen'.

That's interesting! I love learning about how language evolves.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Apocope is formed from "apo-" (meaning away from) and "koptein" (meaning to cut). The term refers to the linguistic phenomenon of cutting off or omitting the end of a word.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cutting off' ('koptein') something 'away from' ('apo-') — that's why apocope means to cut off the end of a word.

Visually Confused Words