noun

palatalization

pal-uh-tuh-ly-ZAY-shuhn

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Palatalization (noun) means In phonology, the quality of pronouncing a sound with the tongue raised towards the palate when that is not the sound's normal pronunciation. Example: “Palatalization can make a plain consonant sound softer to the ear.”

noun

technical, phonology In phonology, the quality of pronouncing a sound with the tongue raised towards the palate when that is not the sound's normal pronunciation.

"Palatalization can make a plain consonant sound softer to the ear."

"Linguists study palatalization to explain certain sound changes between related languages."

"The dialect is known for strong palatalization before front vowels."

technical, phonology A single instance where a sound is pronounced with this palatal quality.

"Each palatalization in the recording was marked on the transcript."

"The textbook lists several palatalizations found in Slavic languages."

How to use palatalization

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPalatalization is when a sound gets pronounced with the tongue pressed up towards the palate.

When to use it

It's a specialist term confined to linguistics and phonetics, not general vocabulary.

Memory tip

Watch the spelling: palatalization has two l's, one in palatal and one in the middle syllable.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

labialization velarization

Common pairings

undergo palatalization palatalization of a consonant process of palatalization strong palatalization

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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 “palatalization” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ can make a plain consonant sound softer to the ear.

Etymology

Formed from palatal combined with the suffix -ization, or alternatively from palatalize combined with -ation. The spelling palatalization is first recorded in 1863, with the related spelling palatalisation recorded a year earlier.

Origin: English

Rhymes for palatalization

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection

See all rhymes for palatalization →

Frequently asked questions

What does palatalization mean?

It's a phonology term for pronouncing a sound with the tongue raised towards the roof of the mouth, or for a particular instance of that happening.

Is palatalization a British or American spelling?

Palatalization is the more common spelling, though palatalisation appears as an alternative spelling with an s in place of the z.

Where is palatalization used as a term?

It's used in phonetics and phonology to describe sound changes and pronunciation patterns in various languages.

What is the meaning of palatalization?

"palatalization" (noun) means in phonology, the quality of pronouncing a sound with the tongue raised towards the palate when that is not the sound's normal pronunciation.