apocopes Definition
the loss of one or more sounds or syllables from the end of a word, especially the unstressed vowel sound in a word ending in -ic or -sion.
Using apocopes: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "apocopes" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The apocope of the final 'e' in 'have' is common in spoken English.
Example
The word 'gymnasium' comes from the Greek 'gymnasion', with an apocope of the final syllable.
Example
The apocope of the unstressed vowel in 'fantastic' results in the pronunciation [fæn'tæstɪk].
apocopes Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for apocopes
Phrases with apocopes
Example
The apocope of the final vowel in 'electric' results in the pronunciation [ɪˈlɛktrɪk].
Example
The apocope of the final vowel in 'decision' results in the pronunciation [dɪˈsɪʒn̩].
Example
The apocope of the final syllable in 'something' results in the pronunciation ['sʌmθɪŋ].
Origins of apocopes
from Greek 'apokoptein', meaning 'cutting off'
Summary: apocopes in Brief
'Apocopes' [əˈpɒkəpiːz] refer to the loss of one or more sounds or syllables from the end of a word, particularly the unstressed vowel sound in words ending in -ic or -sion. Examples include the apocope of the final 'e' in 'have' and the unstressed vowel in 'fantastic.' The term 'apocope' extends into phrases like 'apocope of -ic,' which denotes the loss of the unstressed vowel sound in words ending in -ic.
