What does phonetically mean?
Phonetically is an adverb meaning in relation to speech sounds or pronunciation. It is commonly used when describing whether words sound alike, sound different, or can be distinguished by pronunciation rather than by spelling or meaning. For example, two spellings may be phonetically identical while differing significantly on the page, and a speaker may explain a distinction by describing how a word is pronounced. The word is especially useful in linguistics, language teaching, dictionaries, and discussions of dialects and accent. Its association with sound gives it a technical tone, though it can also be used accessibly in general discussion. It comes from the adjective phonetic, which in turn is related to Greek roots meaning sound or voice, and the suffix -ally turns the adjective into an adverb.
adverbIn a way that relates to the sounds of speech or pronunciation. It can describe how a word is pronounced or how a distinction between words is based on sound.
- In or with respect to the pronunciation or acoustic properties of speech sounds.
- In a way determined by sound rather than spelling, meaning, or other features.
"The two spellings are pronounced differently but are phonetically identical."
"The two dialects are phonetically distinct despite their shared vocabulary."
"She wrote the word phonetically so that students could pronounce it correctly."
Two words can look and mean very different things yet sound exactly alike, a relationship that phonetic spelling is designed to reveal.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of phonetically
Phonetically was formed in the 19th century from phonetic and the adverb-forming suffix -ally. The adjective phonetic comes through French from Greek phōnētikos, derived from phōnē, meaning sound or voice. Related English words include phoneme, phonology, and phonic, all reflecting the same Greek focus on speech sounds.
Related word forms
How phonetically is actually used
The adverb is used in technical contexts, especially linguistics, language teaching, and phonetic transcription. In everyday use, it is often contrasted with spelling or orthography.
Easily confused with phonetically
Phonetic describes something involving speech sounds, while phonetically describes something done or expressed in terms of pronunciation.
Phonetically refers generally to the sounds of words, whereas phonological often emphasizes the sound systems and sound patterns of a language.