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Definitions from WordNet

Definitions from the Web

Schwa

Definition:

Schwa is a neutral vowel sound represented by the symbol ə. It is the most common vowel sound in English, often found in unstressed syllables.

Parts of Speech:

1. Noun: Schwa

2. Verb: Schwa

Senses:

1. As a noun:

- The neutral vowel sound represented by ə.

- The letter or symbol ə representing the schwa sound.

2. As a verb:

- To make or pronounce the schwa sound.

Usages:

1. Popular Usage:

- Many unstressed syllables in English words contain the schwa sound, such as the second syllable in "banana" or the final syllable in "police."

- The schwa is often heard in connected speech as a reduced vowel sound, like in the word "about" where the "a" sounds like schwa.

2. Local Usage:

- In some dialects, the schwa sound is more exaggerated and pronounced differently, leading to variations in pronunciation across regions.

Sample Sentences:

1. Noun usage - neutral vowel sound:

- The word "ago" has a schwa sound in the final syllable.

- The schwa is a common feature of the English language.

2. Noun usage - symbol representing the schwa sound:

- In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the schwa sound is represented by the symbol ə.

- The schwa symbol is used to mark unstressed syllables in phonetic transcriptions.

3. Verb usage - making or pronouncing the schwa sound:

- Practice pronouncing and schwa-ing the unstressed syllables in these words.

- Some people find it difficult to schwa correctly, but with practice, it becomes easier.

Related Products on Amazon:

- If you're interested in learning more about phonetics and pronunciation, check out phonetics books on Amazon.

- For a comprehensive guide to the English language, consider English dictionaries on Amazon.