Orthoepical

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Pertaining to the accurate representation of pronunciations in speech
2. Connected with the proper way to pronounce words according to standard language rules
3. Involving the study or practice of correct speech sounds and how they should be articulated

Etymology: "Orthoepical" is simply "orthoepy" with the adjectival ending "-ical" attached. The base word "orthoepy" is the more interesting part: it comes from Greek "orthoepeia," built from "orthos," meaning "correct" or "straight," and "epos," meaning "word" or "speech." So the whole word literally means something like "correct speech," and it has always been about the sounds of speech rather than grammar or spelling. The "-ical" ending is a common English adjective suffix, used with many nouns of Greek origin, such as "logical" from "logic" or "political" from "politics." Adding it to "orthoepy" gives a form that describes things relating to correct pronunciation. The result is a formal, specialist word, mostly found in dictionaries, linguistics, and discussions of how words should be spoken.