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Definitions from WordNet

Definitions from the Web

Diphthongs

Definition

A diphthong is a type of vowel sound produced by combining two different vowels within a single syllable. It involves a smooth transition from one vowel to another in a single syllable.

Examples

• 1. In the word "coin," the vowel sound /ɔɪ/ is a diphthong.
• 2. "Toy" contains the diphthong /ɔɪ/.
• 3. The French word "beau" has the diphthong /oʊ/.

Types of Diphthongs

There are multiple types of diphthongs, including:

• 1. Falling Diphthongs: In these diphthongs, the first vowel sound is more prominent than the second vowel sound. Examples include /aɪ/ as in "price" and /eɪ/ as in "day".
• 2. Rising Diphthongs: In these diphthongs, the second vowel sound is more prominent than the first vowel sound. Examples include /aʊ/ as in "house" and /oʊ/ as in "boat".
• 3. Centering Diphthongs: In these diphthongs, the transition is from a vowel sound to a schwa sound /ə/. An example is /ɪə/ as in "near".

Related Products

Explore books and resources about diphthongs on Amazon:

• 1. Diphthongs in Phonetics
• 2. Diphthongs in Linguistics
• 3. Diphthong Exercises