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Word of the Day Wednesday, June 10, 2026

palatalize

/ˈpælətaɪzaɪz/ verb · British & US
Valid in UKValid in US
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What does palatalize mean?

verb

To change the sound of (a consonant) so that it is pronounced with the tongue against the hard palate, typically from a stop or fricative to a fricative or affricate. In phonetics, to change a consonant sound so that it is pronounced with the tongue against the hard palate.

Example

"The sound of the 'ch' in the Scottish 'loch' palatalizes to a soft 'kh' sound."

Definition generated by AI and curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Synonyms for palatalize

Antonyms of palatalize

Rhymes with palatalize

Etymologically related