Definition

Not related to the sounds of speech that can change meaning in a language.

Example

In some languages, certain sounds are nonphonemic, meaning they do not affect the meaning of words.

Conversation

I was reading about language and came across the term nonphonemic.

Oh really? What does that mean exactly?

It refers to sounds that don't change the meaning of a word, so they're considered nonphonemic.

That makes sense! Languages can be so complex with all these different features.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nonphonemic → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "phonemic" (from Greek "phonēma", meaning sound). The word "nonphonemic" refers to something that is not related to or does not involve distinct sounds in a language.

Memory Tip

Think of 'non-' meaning 'not' and 'phonemic' relating to 'sound' — so nonphonemic means something that is not about distinct sounds.

Visually Confused Words