Phonemics

Pronunciation: /fəˈniːmɪk/

Phonemics (adj)

  1. Relating to the smallest sound units in a language that can change word meaning.
  2. Describing a way of studying speech by focusing on sound units that represent meaning differences.

Examples

  • Phonemic sounds are the smallest units that change word meaning.
  • In English, /p/ and /b/ are phonemic because they change meanings.

Phonemics (adjective)

Examples

  • A phonemic chart shows sound units that carry meaning.
  • Phonemic symbols represent sound units meaning in a language.