Definition

A combination of two letters that together represent one sound in speech, like 'ph' in 'pheasant' or 'ea' in 'beat'.

Example

In the word 'ship', the 'sh' is a digraph that makes a single sound.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about the concept of a digraph?

Yeah, it's when two letters combine to make one sound, right?

Exactly! Like 'sh' in 'ship' is a great example of a digraph.

That's so interesting — I never realized how common they are in English!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Digraph → It is formed from "di-" (meaning two) and "graph" (from Greek "grapho", meaning to write). The word "digraph" refers to a pair of letters that together represent a single sound or phoneme in writing.

Memory Tip

Think of 'two' ('di-') letters that 'write' ('graph') a single sound together — that's what a digraph is.

Visually Confused Words