circumflex
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈsɜː.kəm.flɛks/
KK: /ˈsɜrkəmˌflɛks/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that curves around or is marked with a specific diacritical mark used in writing.
Example
The word 'côte' has a circumflex over the 'o'.
Conversation
Have you seen that new font with the circumflex accents?
Yeah, it looks really unique and stylish!
I think it adds a nice touch to the text, don’t you?
Definitely! It makes everything feel a bit more elegant.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
curved
bent
arched
Antonyms
straight
flat
level
noun
Definition
A symbol used in writing, often placed over a vowel, to show how it should be pronounced or to indicate a specific tone or quality in certain languages.
Example
In French, the word 'hôtel' uses a circumflex over the 'o' to change its pronunciation.
Conversation
Have you ever seen a circumflex in a French word?
Yeah, I think it's used to show that a letter is missing, right?
Exactly! It's interesting how it changes the pronunciation too.
Root Explanation
Circumflex is formed from "circum-" (meaning around) and "flectere" (meaning to bend). The word describes something that bends around, particularly in reference to a diacritical mark that curves over a letter.
Memory Tip
Think of something that 'bends around' ('circum-') — that's why circumflex refers to a mark that curves over a letter.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.