Definition

Describing something that is not stressed or accented, often used in relation to syllables or muscle tone.

Example

In linguistics, an atonic syllable is one that is not emphasized in pronunciation.

Conversation

I was reading about how some speech sounds are atonic and don't have any stress.

That's interesting! I didn't know there were different types of syllables like that.

Yeah, it really changes how we understand pronunciation.

Totally! Knowing about atonic syllables could help with my speaking skills.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A word, syllable, or sound that does not have an accent or stress placed on it.

Example

In the word 'banana', the second syllable is atonic because it is not stressed.

Conversation

I was studying poetry yesterday and came across the term atonic.

Oh really? What does that mean?

It refers to a word or sound that is unaccented, like in some lines of verse.

Root Explanation

Atonic → It is formed from "a-" (meaning without) and "tonos" (from Greek, meaning tone or tension). The word "atonic" describes a state of being without tone or tension, often used in medical contexts to refer to muscles that lack normal tone.

Memory Tip

Think of 'a-' meaning without and 'tonos' meaning tone — so atonic refers to something that is without tone.

Visually Confused Words