Diphthong

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /ˈdɪfˌθɔŋ/

Definitions of diphthong

noun a complex speech sound or glide that begins with one vowel sound and changes to another within the same syllable, as (oi) in oil or (ai) in pain

Example Sentences

A1 A diphthong is a sound made by combining two vowels in a single syllable.

A2 In English, the 'oi' in the word 'coin' is an example of a diphthong.

B1 Students learning a new language often struggle with pronouncing diphthongs correctly.

B2 Linguists study the phonetics of diphthongs to understand how they are produced in different languages.

C1 The diphthong 'ai' in Mandarin Chinese is pronounced differently than in English.

C2 Singers often use diphthongs to add emotion and expression to their performances.

Examples of diphthong in a Sentence

formal The linguist explained the concept of diphthong in great detail during the lecture.

informal I still don't quite get how to pronounce that diphthong correctly.

slang Yo, did you hear that diphthong in the song? It sounded so cool!

figurative The diphthong of emotions in her voice made it clear how conflicted she was.

Grammatical Forms of diphthong

plural

diphthongs

comparative

more diphthong

superlative

most diphthong

present tense

diphthongs

future tense

will diphthong

perfect tense

have diphthonged

continuous tense

is diphthonging

singular

diphthong

positive degree

diphthong

infinitive

to diphthong

gerund

diphthonging

participle

diphthonged

Origin and Evolution of diphthong

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Greek
Story behind the word: The word 'diphthong' comes from the Greek word 'diphthongos', which means 'having two sounds'.
Evolution of the word: The term 'diphthong' has been used consistently in linguistics to refer to a combination of two vowel sounds within the same syllable. Its usage has remained relatively stable over time.