What Are Silent Words In English

What Are Silent Words in English?

Introduction

Silent words, also known as silent letters, are an intriguing aspect of the English language. These are letters that are present in words but are not pronounced when speaking. In this article, we will explore the concept of silent words in English and provide examples of common words that contain silent letters.

Understanding Silent Words

Silent letters can be found in various positions within words, including the beginning, middle, or end. While they may seem confusing at first, silent letters serve important purposes, such as preserving etymology, indicating the origin of a word, or differentiating between homophones.

Examples of Silent Words

Knife: The “k” in “knife” is silent, so the word is pronounced as “naɪf.”

Hour: The “h” in “hour” is silent, so it is pronounced as “aʊər.”

Island: The “s” in “island” is silent, resulting in the pronunciation “aɪlənd.”

Listen: The “t” in “listen” is silent, making it pronounced as “lɪsən.”

Comb: The “b” in “comb” is silent, so the word is pronounced as “koʊm.”

Castle: The “t” in “castle” is silent, resulting in the pronunciation “kæsəl.”

Debris: The “s” in “debris” is silent, making it pronounced as “dəˈbriː.”

Psychology: The “p” in “psychology” is silent, so it is pronounced as “saɪˈkɑːlədʒi.”

Wrist: The “w” in “wrist” is silent, resulting in the pronunciation “rɪst.”

Autumn: The “n” in “autumn” is silent, making it pronounced as “ˈɔːtəm.”

These examples demonstrate the presence of silent letters in everyday English words, highlighting the importance of understanding their usage and pronunciation.

Conclusion

Silent words add complexity and diversity to the English language. In this article, we explored the concept of silent words and provided examples of common words with silent letters. Understanding silent letters enhances your pronunciation skills and allows for clearer communication. By recognizing and practicing the correct pronunciation of silent words, you can develop fluency and confidence in spoken English. Keep exploring the fascinating world of silent words to deepen your understanding of the English language.
C Silent Words List
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