unround
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //ʌnˈraʊnd//
KK: /ʌnˈraʊnd/
adjective
Definition
Describing a sound that is made without rounding the lips, often used in phonetics.
Example
The vowel sound in 'bit' is unround, as the lips are not rounded when pronounced.
Conversation
Did you notice how she pronounces some words oddly?
Yeah, I think some of them sound quite unround.
Exactly! It's like she's not using her lips correctly.
Right? It makes it hard to understand her sometimes.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
flat
sharp
angular
Antonyms
round
smooth
curved
transitive verb
Definition
To make a sound by keeping the lips flat or neutral instead of rounded.
Example
In phonetics, you can unround a vowel sound to change its pronunciation.
Tense Forms
Past: unrounded
Past Participle: unrounded
Conversation
Have you ever tried to unround your vowels when speaking?
No, I haven't! How do you do that?
It's pretty simple; just relax your lips and keep them flat.
Root Explanation
Unround → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "round" (from Old English "rund", meaning circular or spherical). The word "unround" means not circular or not spherical.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'round', which helps you remember that 'unround' means something that is not circular.
Visually Confused Words
unground
runround
runaround
unwound
unsound
unproud
unfound
unbound