Definition

A symbol placed above a vowel to show that the vowel is pronounced for a longer duration or has a specific phonetic value.

Example

In the word 'fāther', the macron over the 'a' indicates that it is a long vowel sound.

Conversation

Have you ever noticed the macron in some words?

Yeah, it shows that the vowel is pronounced longer, right?

Exactly! I saw it in a book and it really made a difference in how I read.

I should pay more attention to those marks; they can really help with pronunciation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Macron comes from the Greek word "makron" (meaning long). In linguistic terms, it refers to a diacritical mark placed over a vowel to indicate that it is to be pronounced with a long sound. Thus, a macron signifies a longer vowel sound in pronunciation.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek word for long ('makron') to remember that a macron indicates a longer vowel sound.

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