What does phonemically mean?
Phonemically is an adverb meaning “with respect to phonemes,” the distinctive speech sounds that a language uses to distinguish words and meanings. It is especially used in linguistics, phonetics, dialectology, and language teaching when describing differences between languages, accents, or varieties. Saying that two dialects are “phonemically distinct” means that their sound systems contain meaningful sound differences, such as inconsistent pronunciation of a particular consonant or vowel. The word is more precise than saying that they simply “sound different,” since ordinary impressions of accent may be influenced by familiarity, regional identity, and other social factors. Phonemically can also describe the relationship between a spoken form and a written form, especially in spelling, pronunciation, and transcription work.
adverbIn a way that relates to the system of speech sounds in a language, or to the distinctive sound units that distinguish words.
- With respect to phonemes or the distinctive speech sounds of a language.
"The two dialects are phonemically similar, although their accents sound quite different to outsiders."
"The varieties are phonemically distinct because they pronounce certain consonants differently."
"Students compared the recordings phonemically to identify changes in vowel and consonant patterns."
Two words can sound strikingly different to one speaker while being phonemically related, because familiar voices and accents change how speech sounds are perceived.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does phonemically come from?
The word is formed from “phonemic,” an adjective derived from “phoneme,” plus the adverbial suffix “-ically.” “Phoneme” comes from Greek phōnē, meaning “sound” or “voice,” and the related technical vocabulary developed from that Greek root. The adverb form became established as a specialized way of describing language in terms of its system of distinctive sounds.
Related word forms
How phonemically is actually used
Usually used in specialist discussion of linguistics, language teaching, phonology, and dialect analysis. It is more technical than the general expression 'in terms of sound'.
Easily confused with phonemically
Phonemically refers specifically to the system of phonemes and sound distinctions in a language, whereas phonetically more broadly concerns the sounds and sound patterns of speech.