noun

phonetics

fuh-NET-iks

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Phonetics (noun) means the branch of linguistics that studies the physical sounds of human speech, including how they are produced, heard and written down. Example: “She studied phonetics at university before becoming a speech therapist.”

noun

The branch of linguistics that studies the physical sounds of human speech, including how they are produced, heard and written down.

"She studied phonetics at university before becoming a speech therapist."

"A course in phonetics teaches you to describe exactly how each sound is made."

"Phonetics is often taught alongside phonology in linguistics degrees."

How to use phonetics

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe study of the sounds we make when we speak.

When to use it

It is a technical term used mainly in linguistics and language teaching.

Memory tip

Treat it as an uncountable noun and use a singular verb, even though it ends in -s.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

phonics

Common pairings

study phonetics articulatory phonetics acoustic phonetics a phonetics course phonetics and phonology

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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”.

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She studied _____ at university before becoming a speech therapist.

Etymology

The word comes from English phonetic plus the plural-style ending -s, following the pattern of other names of subjects. It can also be analysed as phone, meaning a unit of sound in language, plus -etic and -s.

Origin: English

Rhymes for phonetics

genetics athletics cosmetics aesthetics cybernetics prosthetics

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Frequently asked questions

What is phonetics?

Phonetics is the study of the physical sounds of human speech. It looks at how sounds are made, how they are heard and how they can be shown in writing.

How do you pronounce phonetics?

It is said fuh-NET-iks, with the stress on the second syllable.

Is phonetics singular or plural?

Although it ends in -s, phonetics is an uncountable noun. It is normally treated as singular, as in 'phonetics is difficult'.

What is the meaning of phonetics?

"phonetics" (noun) means the branch of linguistics that studies the physical sounds of human speech, including how they are produced, heard and written down.