umlaut
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈʊmlaʊt/
KK: /ˈumlaʊt/
noun
Definition
A special mark placed over a vowel in some languages, like German, that changes the way the vowel sounds. It can also refer to the change in the vowel sound itself.
Example
In German, the letter "ü" has an umlaut, which changes its pronunciation.
Conversation
Have you ever tried pronouncing words with an umlaut?
Yeah, it can be tricky, especially in German.
I find it interesting how the umlaut changes the sound of the vowels.
Totally! It really adds a unique flavor to the language.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
mutation
diacritic
modification
Antonyms
stability
uniformity
constancy
transitive verb
Definition
To change a vowel sound in a word, often by adding two dots above the letter, which alters its pronunciation.
Example
In German, you can umlaut the letter 'a' to create 'ä'.
Tense Forms
Past: umlauted
Past Participle: umlauted
Conversation
Did you know you can umlaut vowels in German to change their sounds?
Yeah, I remember learning about that in class.
It's interesting how just a small mark can change the pronunciation so much.
Root Explanation
Umlaut originates from the German word 'Umlaut', which is formed from 'um-' (meaning around) and 'Laut' (meaning sound). The term refers to a change in the sound of a vowel that occurs due to the influence of a following vowel or semivowel, effectively changing the sound 'around' the original vowel.
Memory Tip
Think of 'um-' meaning around and 'Laut' meaning sound — this helps you remember that an umlaut is a change in the sound of a vowel.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.