Syllabary - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A syllabary is a set of written symbols that represent syllables, used in some writing systems. Each symbol stands for a consonant-vowel combination or a single vowel sound.
Definition:
A set of written characters representing syllables, used in some writing systems.
Synonyms:
syllabic script, syllabogram system, phonetic symbols
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
alphabet, logography
Common Collocations:
Japanese syllabary, Cherokee syllabary, writing system, linguistic tool
Derivatives:
syllabic, syllabically, syllabification
Usage Tips:
Use "syllabary" to describe writing systems like Japanese kana that represent syllables instead of individual sounds or meanings.
Common Phrases:
kana syllabary, hiragana syllabary, katakana syllabary
Etymology:
Derived from Latin "syllaba" (syllable) and Greek "-arion" (diminutive suffix), meaning a system of syllable-based symbols.
Examples:
- 1. The hiragana syllabary is essential for learning Japanese.
- 2. Linguists study the Cherokee syllabary developed by Sequoyah.
- 3. Unlike alphabets, a syllabary represents whole syllables in writing.
- 4. Children first learn the kana syllabary before kanji in Japan.