Definition

A type of vowel sound that is pronounced with a single, unchanging quality during the entire syllable.

Example

In the word 'bed', the vowel sound is a monophthong.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a monophthong?

Yeah, it's a type of vowel sound, right?

Exactly! It’s interesting how they differ from diphthongs.

Totally! I find phonetics so fascinating.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Monophthong → It is formed from "mono-" (meaning single or one) and "phthong" (from Greek "phthongos", meaning sound or voice). The word "monophthong" refers to a single, pure vowel sound that does not change in quality during its duration.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mono-' meaning 'one' and 'phthong' relating to 'sound' — a monophthong is a single, unchanging sound.

Visually Confused Words