Definition

A symbol (~) used in writing, often placed over letters to change their pronunciation or meaning, such as in Spanish and Portuguese. It can also represent approximation in mathematics or logic.

Example

In Spanish, the word 'cañon' uses a tilde over the letter 'n'.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a tilde used in Spanish words?

Yeah, it's that little squiggly mark over the letter n, right?

Exactly! It changes the pronunciation completely.

I know, it makes words like cañon sound so unique.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tilde → The word 'tilde' comes from the Spanish 'tilde', which means a diacritical mark used in writing. The term itself is derived from the Latin 'titulus', meaning inscription or title, referring to the mark's function in indicating pronunciation or stress in letters.

Memory Tip

Think of the Spanish word 'tilde' as a special mark that helps you understand how to pronounce certain letters — that's why a tilde is a diacritical mark.

Visually Confused Words