Definition

To produce a sound by moving the back of the tongue towards the soft part of the roof of the mouth.

Example

In phonetics, to velarize a consonant means to pronounce it with the back of the tongue raised.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I've been trying to improve my pronunciation in French.

That's great! What are you focusing on?

I learned that I need to velarize some sounds to sound more natural.

Oh, that makes sense! It can really change how you sound.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Velarize → It is formed from "velar" (from Latin "velaris", meaning pertaining to the velum or soft palate) and "-ize" (a suffix used to form verbs meaning to make or to become). The word "velarize" means to make a sound articulated with the back of the tongue against the soft palate.

Memory Tip

Think of the term 'velar' which relates to the soft palate, and remember that 'velarize' means to make a sound using that part of the mouth.

Visually Confused Words