Cedilla

usgb/sɪˈdɪlə/
noun

Cedilla is a sign (¸) placed under a letter to show that it is pronounced in a different way from usual, typically used under 'c' to show that it is pronounced /s/ instead of /k/ before 'a', 'o', 'u', or another consonant, as in French.

In the word 'façade', 'ç' is a 'c' with a cedilla.
Visual representation of "cedilla" - Cedilla is a sign (¸) placed under a letter to show that it is pronounced in a different way from usual, typically used under 'c' to show that it is pronounced /s/ instead of /k/ before 'a', 'o', 'u', or another consonant, as in French.

Often appears as...

  • c with a cedilla
  • lowercase c cedilla

Usage tips

Academic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "cedilla"
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Pronunciation Aid

A cedilla changes the 'c' sound from hard to soft when it comes before 'a', 'o', 'u'.

Illustration for Pronunciation Aid
In 'garçon', the cedilla gives the 'c' a soft sound.
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Not English Origin

The cedilla is not originally used in English; it comes from languages like French and Portuguese.

Illustration for Not English Origin
The word 'façade' in English borrows the cedilla from French.
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Limited Use

The cedilla is rarely used in English and mainly appears in loanwords from other languages.

Illustration for Limited Use
We see a cedilla in 'soupçon', a French word used in English.
Visual representation of the word "Cedilla"

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