noun

jer

yeh-uh

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Jer (noun) means In Slavic linguistics, either of two short vowel sounds from Old Slavic that later weakened or disappeared in most positions. Example: “Linguists mark the front jer and back jer differently when transcribing Old Church Slavonic.”

noun

In Slavic linguistics, either of two short vowel sounds from Old Slavic that later weakened or disappeared in most positions.

"Linguists mark the front jer and back jer differently when transcribing Old Church Slavonic."

How to use jer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA technical term from Slavic linguistics for a type of short vowel that has since vanished from most Slavic languages.

When to use it

Specialist linguistics vocabulary, not everyday English.

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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”.

Word forms

Plural: jers

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Linguists mark the front _____ and back jer differently when transcribing Old Church Slavonic.

Etymology

Borrowed from Russian ер or ерь, the traditional names for these old Cyrillic letters.

Origin: Russian

Frequently asked questions

What does “jer” mean?

The word “jer” means in Slavic linguistics, either of two short vowel sounds from Old Slavic that later weakened or disappeared in most positions. In plain terms, a technical term from Slavic linguistics for a type of short vowel that has since vanished from most Slavic languages.

How do you pronounce “jer”?

“Jer” is pronounced yeh-uh (/jɛə/ in IPA).

How do you use “jer” in a sentence?

Here is “jer” used in a sentence: “Linguists mark the front jer and back jer differently when transcribing Old Church Slavonic.”

What part of speech is “jer”?

“Jer” is a noun.

Where does the word “jer” come from?

The word “jer” comes from Russian. Borrowed from Russian ер or ерь, the traditional names for these old Cyrillic letters.

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