Definition

A collection of written symbols that represent syllables in a language, used to help with reading and writing.

Example

The Japanese syllabary includes characters like hiragana and katakana.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a syllabary for a different language?

Yeah, I came across one when I was studying Japanese!

It's fascinating how each character represents a whole syllable in that syllabary.

Totally! It makes learning the language a bit easier.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Syllabary → It is formed from "syllaba" (from Greek "syllabē", meaning a syllable) and the suffix "-ary" (meaning relating to or connected with). A syllabary is a set of written symbols representing syllables, thus relating to the concept of syllables.

Memory Tip

Think of 'syllable' which refers to a unit of sound, and remember that a 'syllabary' is a collection of symbols that represent those sound units.

Visually Confused Words