Definition

Describing something that involves the rearrangement of sounds or letters in a word.

Example

The word 'aks' is a metathetical form of 'ask'.

Conversation

Have you ever noticed how some words can sound funny when you say them differently?

Yeah, like when people say 'aks' instead of 'ask'.

Exactly! That’s an example of a metathetical change in pronunciation.

It's interesting how language evolves with little quirks like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Metathetical → It is formed from "meta-" (meaning change or beyond) and "tithenai" (Greek for to place). The word describes a change in the position of elements, particularly in language or syntax.

Memory Tip

Think of 'meta-' meaning change and 'tithenai' meaning to place — this helps you remember that 'metathetical' refers to a change in placement.

Visually Confused Words