Definition

Referring to a position that comes right before a consonant sound in speech or writing.

Example

In the word 'sand', the letter 's' is in a preconsonantal position before the 'a'.

Conversation

Did you know that some sounds are preconsonantal?

Really? What does that mean exactly?

It means they come right before a consonant sound in a word.

Oh, I see! That makes sense now.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Preconsonantal → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "consonantalis" (from Latin "consonans", meaning sounding together). The word refers to something that occurs before a consonant sound.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pre-' meaning 'before' and 'consonant' referring to the sound that follows — this helps you remember that 'preconsonantal' describes something that happens before a consonant sound.

Visually Confused Words