noun
syncope
Omission of sounds or letters from within a word.
Syncope turns the three syllables of “family” into two.
Etymology
The Greek noun names cutting short. The linguistic process removes an internal sound or syllable while leaving the word's beginning and end.
More examples
- In casual speech, syncope can make “camera” sound like “camra.”
- The spelling “o’er” for “over” illustrates syncope.
- The poet uses syncope to keep the line’s rhythm.
Forms
syncope · syncopes
syncopate verb — Omit sounds or letters from within a word.
Similar words
- elision
- Covers omitted sounds anywhere, not just within a word.
- contraction
- Can shorten or combine words, rather than only omit internal sounds.