Isogloss

Pronunciation: /ˈaɪsəˌɡlɔs/

Definitions of isogloss

noun a line on a map marking the limits of an area within which a feature of pronunciation, grammar, or vocabulary is constant

Example Sentences

A1 An isogloss is a line on a map that shows where a particular language feature is used.

A2 Linguists use isoglosses to study regional variations in language.

B1 The isogloss between the northern and southern dialects is quite distinct.

B2 Researchers found an interesting isogloss that separated the two communities.

C1 The analysis of isoglosses revealed intricate patterns of language distribution.

C2 The study of isoglosses requires a deep understanding of linguistic geography.

Examples of isogloss in a Sentence

formal The isogloss marks the boundary between two distinct dialect regions.

informal The isogloss shows where people start talking differently.

slang The isogloss is where the language switch happens.

figurative The isogloss acts like a linguistic border separating different speech patterns.

Grammatical Forms of isogloss

• plural: isoglosses
• comparative: more isogloss
• superlative: most isogloss
• present tense: isogloss
• future tense: will isogloss
• perfect tense: has isoglossed
• continuous tense: is isoglossing
• singular: isogloss
• positive degree: isogloss
• infinitive: to isogloss
• gerund: isoglossing
• participle: isoglossed

Origin and Evolution of isogloss

First Known Use: 1878 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'isogloss' originated from the combination of Greek words 'iso' meaning equal and 'glōssa' meaning tongue or language.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the field of linguistics to refer to a line on a map marking the boundary between areas where different linguistic features are used, the term 'isogloss' has since been adopted in other disciplines such as geography and biology to denote similar boundaries or lines of demarcation.