Meaning & Definition of word "Phonemic"

Phonemic

/fəˈnɛmɪk/

adjective:

  • 1. Related to phonemes, the distinct units of sound in a specified language that distinguish one word from another.
    • Example: The phonemic awareness of the children improved as they engaged in sound-matching games.
  • 2. Referring to the abstract, structural units of sound in a language rather than the concrete realizations of those sounds.
    • Example: In phonemic transcription, each sound is represented distinctly, allowing for accurate pronunciation guidance.
  • 3. Expressing the system of sounds as it pertains to linguistics.
    • Example: The phonemic structure of the language reveals how different sounds can change the meaning of words.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word 'phonema', meaning 'sound'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

phonemic transcription:

A written representation of speech sounds using symbols.

phonemic awareness:

The ability to recognize and manipulate phonemes in spoken words.

Related Words

phoneme:

The smallest units of sound in a language.

phonetics:

The study of the sounds of human speech.

Slang Meanings of phonemic