SYNALEPHA Meaning and
Definition
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Synalepha is a linguistic term that refers to the blending or merging of two adjacent vowel sounds into a single syllable, often occurring when the first word ends with a vowel and the following word begins with a vowel. Synalepha is derived from the Greek word "syn" meaning "together" and "alepho" meaning "to combine." It is commonly used in poetry and to maintain smoothness and fluidity in speech.
In poetic terms, synalepha is used to facilitate metrical patterns and maintain the desired rhythm and meter of a verse. It helps to avoid disruptions that may occur due to pauses between words, allowing for a more seamless flow of sound. For example, in the line "the apple-orchards of Samarkand," the joining of the vowel sounds in "the" and "apple" into one syllable creates a more unified and harmonious rhythm.
Synalepha can occur in different languages and is often utilized across various poetic forms such as sonnets, odes, and ballads. It helps to enhance the musicality of poetry by creating a sense of connectivity between the words and phrases.
Moreover, synalepha can also be observed in everyday speech, particularly in rapid colloquial conversations, where certain vowel sounds blend together naturally for the sake of fluency and ease of pronunciation. It is important to note that synalepha is a grammatical phenomenon involving pronunciation, not spelling, as the separate words still retain their individual identities despite the merging of sounds.
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In gram., the process of cutting off or suppressing a vowel at the end of a word, when the next word begins with a vowel.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SYNALEPHA
Etymology of SYNALEPHA
The word "Synalepha" has its origins in Greek. It comes from the Greek words "syn" (συν), meaning "together", and "alepho" (αλεφω), meaning "to join". In Greek poetry and grammar, synalepha refers to the blending or merging of vowel sounds between adjacent words, resulting in the omission of a vowel or the combination of two vowels into one syllable. This term has been adopted by linguists and scholars in the field of poetry and phonetics to describe this specific phenomenon.
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