Consonantise

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To turn a sound into a consonant ; to change a vowel into a consonant in pronunciation or spelling
2. Make a speech sound behave as a consonant ; alter a vowel so that it functions as a consonant
3. Render a sound consonantal in value ; shift a vowel toward consonant-like articulation or function

Etymology: Consonantise is a British spelling of "consonantize," formed in English from "consonant" with the verb-forming suffix "-ise" (or "-ize," from Greek "-izein"). "Consonant" itself came into English in the late 14th century from Old French "consonant," from Latin "consonans," meaning "sounding together," from "consonare," a compound of "com-" ("together") and "sonare" ("to sound"). The Latin name reflects the old idea that consonants could only be pronounced alongside a vowel, so they "sounded with" one. The verb is a modern, technical formation rather than an ancient word. Its usefulness lies in phonetics and linguistics, where it describes a sound shifting into a consonant, as when a vowel-like glide such as the "y" in "yes" or the "w" in "well" functions as a consonant. Scholars also use the verb for a vowel changing into a consonant in some sound changes over time.

Synonyms: consonantize

Antonyms: vocalise