allophone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “allophone” mean?
One of the variant pronunciations of a single phoneme in a language, where the difference does not change the meaning of a word.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One of the variant pronunciations of a single phoneme in a language, where the difference does not change the meaning of a word.
In linguistics, a predictable phonetic variant of a phoneme, conditioned by its phonetic environment (e.g., the aspirated [pʰ] in 'pin' vs. the unaspirated [p] in 'spin' in English are allophones of /p/).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in meaning or usage. The concept is identical in both linguistics traditions.
Connotations
None. Purely technical.
Frequency
Used with identical, very low frequency in both academic/linguistic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “allophone” in a Sentence
[allophone] of [phoneme]The [phoneme] /X/ is realised as [allophone] [y] in [environment].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “allophone” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The allophonic distribution was meticulously mapped.
- We observed an allophonic rule for nasalisation.
American English
- The allophonic distribution was meticulously mapped.
- We observed an allophonic rule for nasalization.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core term in linguistics, phonetics, and phonology courses.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Essential for describing the sound systems of languages, speech pathology, and language teaching methodology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “allophone”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “allophone”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “allophone”
- Using 'allophone' to mean 'alternative pronunciation that changes meaning' (that's a different phoneme).
- Confusing 'allophone' (phonetics) with 'allomorph' (morphology).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually not, as allophones don't distinguish words. However, using an unnatural allophone (e.g., an aspirated /p/ where it shouldn't be) will make your accent sound non-native.
No. They are different phonemes in their respective languages. Allophones are variants of the *same* phoneme *within* one language.
An accent may involve using different allophones (e.g., the 'dark l' is used more/less in different accents) or even different phonemes. Allophonic variation is a component of an accent.
Yes, virtually all languages have predictable allophonic rules. Learning these rules is key to acquiring native-like pronunciation.
One of the variant pronunciations of a single phoneme in a language, where the difference does not change the meaning of a word.
Allophone is usually technical / academic in register.
Allophone: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæləfəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæləfoʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PHONE (sound) that can take ALLO (different) forms depending on its neighbours, like a chameleon of sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PHONEME IS A FAMILY, ALLOPHONES ARE ITS MEMBERS. Different members appear in different situations, but they all represent the same family.
Practice
Quiz
What is the relationship between a phoneme and an allophone?