noun

ablaut

AB-lout

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Ablaut (noun) means Ablaut is a pattern in which a word's root vowel changes to mark a related shift in meaning or grammatical function. Example: “The vowel shift between the verb forms is an example of ablaut.”

noun

Ablaut is a pattern in which a word's root vowel changes to mark a related shift in meaning or grammatical function.

"The vowel shift between the verb forms is an example of ablaut."

"Linguists use the term ablaut to describe this kind of internal vowel change."

"The textbook chapter on ablaut compares several vowel patterns across related words."

verb

To ablaut is for a word's vowel to change, or to cause such a vowel change, as a way of marking a shift in meaning or grammar.

"The root vowel ablauts between the present and past forms."

"This class of verbs ablauts rather than taking a regular ending."

"The suffix ablauts the stem vowel in certain historical forms."

How to use ablaut

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA change in a word's vowel that also changes its meaning or grammatical form.

When to use it

A technical term confined to linguistics and the study of phonology.

Memory tip

You will mostly meet this word in discussions of how a word's root vowel changes across related forms.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

umlaut →

Common pairings

vowel ablaut ablaut pattern ablaut series undergo ablaut

Vocabulary Flow

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “ablaut” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The vowel shift between the verb forms is an example of _____.

Etymology

The word was borrowed from German Ablaut, meaning sound gradation, which combines ab-, in the sense of varying or deviating, with Laut, meaning sound.

Origin: German

Synonyms

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alternation

Related words

rotation switching alternation

Rhymes for ablaut

taut sauté Kraut beaut umlaut astronaut cosmonaut juggernaut sauerkraut

See all rhymes for ablaut →

Frequently asked questions

What does ablaut mean in linguistics?

It describes the substitution of one vowel for another within a word's root, marking a related change in meaning or grammatical form.

Is ablaut the same as umlaut?

No, they are related terms for vowel change but refer to different processes, and umlaut is listed as a related rather than identical term.

When did the term ablaut start being used in English?

It entered English usage in the mid-19th century, borrowed directly from German.

What is the meaning of ablaut?

"ablaut" (noun) means ablaut is a pattern in which a word's root vowel changes to mark a related shift in meaning or grammatical function.

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