Definition

The study of the sounds in a language and how they are used to create meaning.

Example

Phonemics is essential for understanding how different languages organize their sounds.

Conversation

I just started learning about phonemics in my linguistics class.

That sounds interesting! What exactly does it cover?

It's all about the sounds in a language and how they form words.

Wow, that must be really helpful for understanding pronunciation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Phonemics → It is formed from "phone" (from Greek "phōnē", meaning sound) and "-emics" (from Greek "ēmi", meaning to take or to be). The word refers to the study of the sound systems of languages, focusing on how sounds function within a particular language or languages.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sound' ('phone') and how it is studied in terms of its function ('-emics') within languages.

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