Definition

Related to the rise and fall of voice pitch in speech, especially in languages that use tone to distinguish meaning.

Example

Mandarin is a tonetic language, where the meaning of a word can change based on its tone.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

I just started learning about tonetic languages in my linguistics class.

That sounds interesting! What exactly does that mean?

It means the meaning of words can change based on their tone.

Wow, that's really cool! I never knew language could be so complex.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

This word originates from the Greek 'tonos' (τόνος) meaning 'tone' and the suffix '-ic' (from Greek '-ikos') meaning 'pertaining to'. The word 'tonetic' refers to something that is related to or characterized by tone.

Memory Tip

Think of 'tone' from Greek and remember that 'tonetic' means something that pertains to tone.

Visually Confused Words