phonetic

Everyday

1. Connected with the sounds of speech. tree →
2. Written in a way that shows exactly how a word sounds: "a phonetic spelling". tree →
3. (phonetic alphabet) A set of symbols where each one stands for one sound (IPA), or the list of code words like Alpha, Bravo, Charlie used on radios. tree →

In the lessons

In English and language lessons, a phonetic spelling like "fone" for "phone" shows sound, not correct spelling. Dictionaries use phonetic symbols to show pronunciation. Pilots, police and soldiers use the phonetic alphabet (Alfa, Bravo, Charlie...) so letters are not misheard.

Examples

• Spanish spelling is more phonetic than English. tree →
• The dictionary gives a phonetic guide to say the word. tree →
• "Skool" is a phonetic spelling of "school". tree →
• Pilots use the phonetic alphabet: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie. tree →
• "K" is "Kilo" in the phonetic alphabet. tree →
• Some sounds have no letter, so we use phonetic symbols. tree →

Note

Adjective. Noun: phonetics (the study of speech sounds; takes a singular verb: "Phonetics is..."). Note the irony: "phonetic" is not spelled phonetically (it starts with ph, not f).

In Jewish tradition

In Sefer Yetzirah studies it refers to the letters being grouped by the sounds and the place in the mouth where they are made.

Interpretation. The book sorts the letters by where they are spoken (throat, tongue, lips), and tradition sees this as part of how creation was spoken.

Note

Adjective. Noun: phonetics (the study of speech sounds; takes a singular verb: "Phonetics is..."). Note the irony: "phonetic" is not spelled phonetically (it starts with ph, not f).