# phonetic

/fəˈnɛtɪk/ (US) · /fənˈɛtɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/phonetic
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

relating to the sounds of human speech. You use this to describe spelling that matches how a word sounds or the symbols used to show pronunciation.

For teachers: relating to the sounds of human speech or the representation of these sounds by written symbols. Often describes a system of spelling where each letter consistently represents a specific sound.

## Examples

- The teacher used phonetic symbols to show how to say the word.
- Spanish is often described as a phonetic language because its spelling closely follows its pronunciation rules.
- The dictionary provides a phonetic transcription for every entry to assist learners in mastering the subtle distinctions between vowel sounds in different dialects.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun. Often paired with 'spelling', 'alphabet', or 'transcription'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.