Continuant
noun
A sound in speech that can be extended as long as you have breath. These include vowels and nasal sounds.
In English language, sounds such as 's', 'f', 'm', 'n' are considered continuants.
Often appears as...
- nasal continuant
- voiceless continuant
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
adjective
Something that continues or prolongs.
His long, continuant whistling was disturbing the entire classroom.
Often appears as...
- continuant sound
- continuant speech
noun
A sound in speech that can be extended as long as you have breath. These include vowels and nasal sounds.
In English language, sounds such as 's', 'f', 'm', 'n' are considered continuants.
Often appears as...
- nasal continuant
- voiceless continuant
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
adjective
Something that continues or prolongs.
His long, continuant whistling was disturbing the entire classroom.
Often appears as...
- continuant sound
- continuant speech
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Pronunciation Practice
Practice by extending sounds, noticing how continuants don't have a defined end point.
Try pronouncing 'mmmmm' as if you are savoring something tasty.
Pro Tip 2/3Speech Flow
Continuants help create smoother transitions between words in sentences.
The smooth 'm' in 'I'm amazed' links the words gracefully.
Pro Tip 3/3Misidentification
Be careful not to confuse continuants with stops, which have a definite end.
Don't stop the sound abruptly when saying 'seeing,' keep the 'ng' going.
Pro Tip 1/3Pronunciation Practice
Practice by extending sounds, noticing how continuants don't have a defined end point.
Try pronouncing 'mmmmm' as if you are savoring something tasty.
Pro Tip 2/3Speech Flow
Continuants help create smoother transitions between words in sentences.
The smooth 'm' in 'I'm amazed' links the words gracefully.
Pro Tip 3/3Misidentification
Be careful not to confuse continuants with stops, which have a definite end.
Don't stop the sound abruptly when saying 'seeing,' keep the 'ng' going.
Pro Tip 1/3Pronunciation Practice
Practice by extending sounds, noticing how continuants don't have a defined end point.
Try pronouncing 'mmmmm' as if you are savoring something tasty.
Pro Tip 2/3Speech Flow
Continuants help create smoother transitions between words in sentences.
The smooth 'm' in 'I'm amazed' links the words gracefully.
Pro Tip 3/3Misidentification
Be careful not to confuse continuants with stops, which have a definite end.
Don't stop the sound abruptly when saying 'seeing,' keep the 'ng' going.
Never forget "Continuant"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension