rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryaspirateBreathy speech sound
verb / noun / adjective

aspirate

AS-puh-rayt/ˈæspɝˌeɪt/

A speech sound made with an audible release of breath.

The learner practices an aspirate while his breath lifts the tissue.

A pronunciation lesson: a learner practices the sound on a single-letter h exercise card while holding a light tissue before his relaxed, open mouth; the tissue lifts with his breath.
Etymology
aLatinto, toward
+spirateLatinto breathe

The components give ‘breathe upon,’ connecting pronunciation with an audible release of breath. Latin already used the related noun for pronouncing H, the specific sound retained in this English sense.

In context

ESL Universe5:59
not all English speakers aspirate their sounds in some dialects aspiration may be less pronounced or even absent altogether
What is Aspiration, and when do you aspirate in English? Pronounce aspirated consonants correctly.

More examples

  • English speakers usually aspirate the p in “pin.”
  • Hold your hand near your mouth to feel an aspirated t.
  • The aspirate h in “hat” is easy to hear.

Forms

aspirate · aspirates · aspirated · aspirating

aspiration noun — Audible breath released when pronouncing a sound.

Similar words

breathy
Describes an airy voice quality rather than a particular consonant.