Definition

A symbol placed over a vowel to show that it should be pronounced separately from an adjacent vowel, or to indicate that a vowel is not silent.

Example

In the word 'naïve', the dieresis shows that the 'i' and 'e' are pronounced as separate sounds.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term dieresis?

Yeah, I think it refers to a mark over a vowel, right?

Exactly! It helps show that the vowels should be pronounced separately.

That's really interesting; I didn't realize it had a specific name!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dieresis → It is formed from "dia-" (meaning through or across) and "eresis" (from Greek "airesis", meaning taking or choice). The term refers to the act of separating or distinguishing, particularly in phonetics where it indicates the separation of two adjacent vowels.

Memory Tip

Think of 'taking' or 'choosing' ('airesis') something 'through' ('dia-') — this helps you remember that 'dieresis' involves distinguishing or separating sounds.

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