Word
phonology
Phoneticsphonol·o·gy
/fəˈnɑɫəˌdʒi/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the study of the sounds in a language and the rules for how they fit together.
n. the systematic study of speech sounds as abstract units within a language, including their patterns and contrasts. Contrasted with phonetics, which focuses on the physical production and perception of sounds.
Examples
“Phonology studies the sound patterns of a language.”
“In her first linguistics class, she learns phonology to understand why English speakers hear 'pin' and 'spin' differently.”
“English phonology explains why the plural ending sounds different in 'cats,' 'dogs,' and 'boxes,' even though all three share the same spelling.”
Examples
simple
“Phonology studies the sound patterns of a language.”
contextual
“In her first linguistics class, she learns phonology to understand why English speakers hear 'pin' and 'spin' differently.”
complex
“English phonology explains why the plural ending sounds different in 'cats,' 'dogs,' and 'boxes,' even though all three share the same spelling.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “phonology” in context.
Verb
01. analyze phonology
“Researchers analyzed the phonology of the dialect using acoustic data.”
verb + noun
02. explore phonology
“The seminar explores phonology through transcription and listening tasks.”
verb + noun
03. focus on phonology
“This chapter focuses on phonology rather than grammar or vocabulary.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
04. comparative phonology
“Comparative phonology highlights systematic differences between Spanish and Italian.”
adj + noun
05. english phonology
“This module gives a clear overview of English phonology and stress patterns.”
adj + noun
06. generative phonology
“Generative phonology explains sound patterns through abstract underlying rules.”
adj + noun
07. historical phonology
“Historical phonology traces how pronunciation has changed over centuries.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. course in phonology
“She enrolled in an advanced course in phonology last semester.”
noun + prep + noun
09. introduction to phonology
“This book is an accessible introduction to phonology for undergraduates.”
noun + prep + noun
10. focus on comparative phonology
“The thesis focuses on comparative phonology of two regional dialects.”
11. introduction to generative phonology
“The second lecture provides an introduction to generative phonology.”
12. master the rules of phonology
“Advanced learners must master the rules of phonology for fluency.”
Etymology
From phono- (prefix denoting sound) + -logy (suffix denoting a branch of learning, or a study of a particular subject).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/phonology