metathesis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic / Technical
Quick answer
What does “metathesis” mean?
A linguistic process where sounds or syllables in a word swap places.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A linguistic process where sounds or syllables in a word swap places.
In chemistry, a reaction between two compounds that exchange parts. In broader contexts, any transposition or rearrangement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, scholarly term in both contexts.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “metathesis” in a Sentence
The metathesis of X and YMetathesis occurs in...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metathesis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [The term is a noun; 'metathesise' is not standard.]
American English
- [The term is a noun; 'metathesize' is not standard.]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form.]
adjective
British English
- A metathetic sound change.
- The process is metathetical.
American English
- A metathetic process.
- Metathetical shifts are documented.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in linguistics and chemistry papers to describe specific processes.
Everyday
Extremely rare in casual conversation.
Technical
The primary domain of use, with precise definitions in linguistics and chemistry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metathesis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metathesis”
- Mispronouncing as /ˌmet.əˈθiː.sɪs/ (like 'metathesis' with a long 'e').
- Confusing it with 'metabolism' or 'metaphor'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The sounds metathesised').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a well-documented example of synchronic (current) metathesis found in various English dialects.
Yes, though consonant metathesis is more commonly discussed. Vowel metathesis is rarer but attested in language history.
No. A spoonerism is a speech error that often involves metathesis of initial sounds between words (e.g., 'well-oiled bicycle' -> 'well-boiled icicle'), but metathesis is a broader linguistic process that can be systematic and historical.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term used almost exclusively in academic or technical contexts like linguistics and chemistry.
A linguistic process where sounds or syllables in a word swap places.
Metathesis is usually academic / technical in register.
Metathesis: in British English it is pronounced /mɪˈtæθ.ə.sɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈtæθ.ə.sɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'META-THESIS' as putting the thesis (or sounds) in a different META-place.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE SOUNDS AS MOVABLE OBJECTS / CHEMICAL COMPONENTS AS PARTNERS IN A DANCE SWAP.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'metathesis' also technically used, besides linguistics?