Diphthong
noun
A sound made by combining two vowels, specifically when it starts as one vowel sound and goes to another, like the OI sound in the word 'boil'.
In English, 'ou' in 'house' is a diphthong.
Often appears as...
- diphthong vowel
- falling diphthong
Usage tips
Academic
noun
A sound made by combining two vowels, specifically when it starts as one vowel sound and goes to another, like the OI sound in the word 'boil'.
In English, 'ou' in 'house' is a diphthong.
Often appears as...
- diphthong vowel
- falling diphthong
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Pronunciation Practice
Listen to native speakers. Copying their pronunciation can help you master diphthongs.
She practiced saying 'coin' to perfect the diphthong.
Pro Tip 2/3Spelling vs. Sound
Diphthongs may not always be spelled as two vowels next to each other, so focus on sounds, not just letters.
'Phone' has a diphthong even though it's not obvious from the spelling.
Pro Tip 3/3Varying Diphthongs
Diphthongs can vary in pronunciation across different dialects of English; they're not always pronounced the same.
The diphthong in 'about' sounds different in American and British English.
Pro Tip 1/3Pronunciation Practice
Listen to native speakers. Copying their pronunciation can help you master diphthongs.
She practiced saying 'coin' to perfect the diphthong.
Pro Tip 2/3Spelling vs. Sound
Diphthongs may not always be spelled as two vowels next to each other, so focus on sounds, not just letters.
'Phone' has a diphthong even though it's not obvious from the spelling.
Pro Tip 3/3Varying Diphthongs
Diphthongs can vary in pronunciation across different dialects of English; they're not always pronounced the same.
The diphthong in 'about' sounds different in American and British English.
Pro Tip 1/3Pronunciation Practice
Listen to native speakers. Copying their pronunciation can help you master diphthongs.
She practiced saying 'coin' to perfect the diphthong.
Pro Tip 2/3Spelling vs. Sound
Diphthongs may not always be spelled as two vowels next to each other, so focus on sounds, not just letters.
'Phone' has a diphthong even though it's not obvious from the spelling.
Pro Tip 3/3Varying Diphthongs
Diphthongs can vary in pronunciation across different dialects of English; they're not always pronounced the same.
The diphthong in 'about' sounds different in American and British English.
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Video examples
Learning a new language...
caused by my pronunciation of the nasalized diphthongs and vowels such as L and in my first Portuguese teacher said that my initial attempts of
Video examples
Learning a new language...
caused by my pronunciation of the nasalized diphthongs and vowels such as L and in my first Portuguese teacher said that my initial attempts of
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Hermann Ebbinghaus
German Psychologist
Out of the simple consonants of the alphabet and our eleven vowels and diphthongs all possible syllables of a certain sort were constructed, a vowel sound being placed between two consonants.
Quote examples
John Robert Gregg
American Inventor
Diphthongs are indicated by combinations of hooks and circles.
Quote examples
Hermann Ebbinghaus
German Psychologist
Out of the simple consonants of the alphabet and our eleven vowels and diphthongs all possible syllables of a certain sort were constructed, a vowel sound being placed between two consonants.
Quote examples
John Robert Gregg
American Inventor
Diphthongs are indicated by combinations of hooks and circles.
Example 1 of 2
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