metathesize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very low frequency, technical term)Technical/Academic (Linguistics, Phonology)
Quick answer
What does “metathesize” mean?
to undergo or cause the transposition of sounds, letters, or syllables within a word (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to undergo or cause the transposition of sounds, letters, or syllables within a word (e.g., 'ask' pronounced as 'aks').
In linguistics, to describe the phonological process where two segments switch places; more broadly, to rearrange elements within a structure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The spelling with 's' (metathesize) is standard in both, though the British may be slightly more familiar with the alternative spelling 'metathesise' due to '-ise' suffixes.
Connotations
Purely technical, no cultural connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage. Slightly higher frequency in academic linguistic publications, equally low in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “metathesize” in a Sentence
[Sound X] and [Sound Y] metathesize.The word underwent metathesis, where the consonants metathesized.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metathesize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The /r/ and the vowel may metathesize in some West Country dialects.
- Old English 'bridd' metathesized to give us Modern English 'bird'.
American English
- In child language, 'spaghetti' might metathesize to 'psketti'.
- The sounds /s/ and /k/ commonly metathesize in many language histories.
adjective
British English
- A metathesized form (less common, usually 'form resulting from metathesis').
American English
- The metathesized consonant cluster (technical writing).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in linguistics and philology to describe historical or synchronic sound changes.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in phonological theory and historical linguistics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metathesize”
- Using it to mean 'synthesize' or 'analyze'.
- Using it as a common verb for general rearrangement.
- Incorrect pronunciation: /ˈmet.ə.θaɪz/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized term used almost exclusively in linguistics.
It would be very unusual and likely misunderstood. You would say 'swap sounds' or 'get mixed up' instead.
The noun is 'metathesis' (/mɪˈtæθ.ə.sɪs/). The verb describes the process of undergoing metathesis.
Yes. Metathesis is a regular, often unconscious phonological process. A spoonerism is a conscious or accidental speech error involving the swap of initial sounds between words (e.g., 'you hissed my mystery lectures').
to undergo or cause the transposition of sounds, letters, or syllables within a word (e.
Metathesize is usually technical/academic (linguistics, phonology) in register.
Metathesize: in British English it is pronounced /mɪˈtæθ.ə.saɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈtæθ.ə.saɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine META-THESIZE: META means change, THESIZE sounds like 'the size' – you're changing the size of the distance between two sounds by swapping them.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A FLUID SUBSTANCE (sounds can flow and swap places).
Practice
Quiz
What does it mean for sounds to 'metathesize'?