What does dieresis mean?
A dieresis is a diacritic mark (¨) used to indicate that two adjacent vowels are pronounced separately, as in 'coöperate'. This mark is commonly used in English to clarify pronunciation, especially in words derived from other languages. The dieresis serves to distinguish between words that would otherwise be homophones and to signify changes in pronunciation. It is an important typographical feature that helps readers accurately pronounce unfamiliar words. The use of dieresis can be seen in various languages, including English, French, and German. In English, it is often used to indicate that a vowel is pronounced separately, as in 'reëmerge' or 'coöperate'. The dieresis is a useful tool for language learners and native speakers alike, as it provides a visual cue for pronunciation.
nounA dieresis is a diacritic mark (¨) placed over a vowel to indicate that it is pronounced separately, as in 'coöperate'. It is used in some languages to signify a change in pronunciation or to distinguish between homophones.
- A diacritic mark (¨) used to indicate separate pronunciation of adjacent vowels.
- A mark used in some languages to signify a change in pronunciation or to distinguish between homophones.
"The word 'coöperate' uses a dieresis to show that the two o's are pronounced separately."
"The dieresis in 'coöperate' indicates that the two o's are pronounced separately."
"In some languages, the dieresis is used to distinguish between words that would otherwise be homophones."
The plural form 'diereses' is used when referring to multiple instances of the diacritic mark.
"The text included several diereses to clarify pronunciation."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of dieresis
The word 'dieresis' comes from the Greek 'diēresis', meaning 'separation'. It has been used in English since the 16th century to describe the diacritic mark (¨) used to indicate separate pronunciation of adjacent vowels. The term is closely related to the concept of diaeresis, which is used in some languages to signify a change in pronunciation or to distinguish between homophones.
Usage notes
The term 'dieresis' is often used interchangeably with 'diaeresis', although some sources make a distinction between the two. The dieresis is commonly used in English to indicate separate pronunciation of adjacent vowels, especially in words derived from Greek or French.