What does "diaeresis" mean?
A separation of one syllable (especially a vowel which is a diphthong, that is, beginning with one sound and ending with another) into two distinct syllables; distraction.
Diaeresis
/daɪˈɛɹɪsɪs/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A separation of one syllable (especially a vowel which is a diphthong, that is, beginning with one sound and ending with another) into two distinct syllables; distraction.
- Grammar: diaeresis is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: dieresis, accent, accentuation, alexandrine.
- Usage evidence: In modern computer systems, umlaut and diaeresis are represented identically.
How to use "diaeresis"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "diaeresis" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "diaeresis" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
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Final meaning check
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 A separation of one syllable (especially a vowel which is a diphthong, that is, beginning with one sound and ending with another) into two distinct syllables; distraction. countable, uncountable
"Synaeresis, the opposite of Diaëresis, is the throwing of two syllables into one; as, Seest for seëst. Looked for look-ed."
- 2 a diacritical mark (two dots) placed over a vowel to indicate that it does not form a diphthong with an adjacent vowel wordnet
- 3 A separation of one syllable (especially a vowel which is a diphthong, that is, beginning with one sound and ending with another) into two distinct syllables; distraction.; The diacritical mark consisting of two dots (¨) placed over a letter (especially the second of two consecutive vowels) to indicate that it is sounded separately, usually as a distinct syllable. countable, uncountable
"Diæreſis is vvhen tvvo points ouer a vovvell diuide it from another vovvel, as bouë, queuë, read bou-e, queu-e, not bo-ue, que-ue."
- 4 An occurrence of separate vowel sounds in adjacent syllables without an intervening consonant; a hiatus. countable, uncountable
- 5 A division, a separation. countable, figuratively, rare, uncountable
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 A natural break in rhythm when a word ends at the end of a metrical foot in a line of verse. countable, uncountable
- 7 An act of separating body parts or tissues which are normally together. archaic, countable, uncountable
"There are four^([sic]) manners of performing the Diæreſis: viz. by Cutting, Pricking, Tearing, Dravving, and Burning."
Example
"In modern computer systems, umlaut and diaeresis are represented identically."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "diaeresis"?
Common synonyms include: dieresis, accent, accentuation, alexandrine, amphibrach, amphimacer.
How do you use "diaeresis" in a sentence?
In modern computer systems, umlaut and diaeresis are represented identically.
How do you pronounce "diaeresis"?
Pronounced /daɪˈɛɹɪsɪs/.
Etymology
PIE word *dwís Unadapted borrowing from Late Latin diaeresis (“distribution; division of a diphthong into two syllables”), from Ancient Greek δῐαίρεσῐς (dĭaíresĭs, “distribution, division; division of a poetic line when the end of a word and a metrical foot coincide; division of a diphthong into two syllables”), from δῐαιρέω (dĭairéō, “to divide; to distinguish; to resolve a diphthong or contracted form”) + -σῐς (-sĭs, suffix forming abstract nouns or nouns of action, process, or result). Δῐαιρέω (Dĭairéō) is derived from δῐᾰ- (dĭă-, prefix meaning ‘across; through; in different directions’) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *dwís (“doubly, twice; in two”)) + αἱρέω (hairéō, “to grasp, seize, take”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *ser- (“to grasp, seize, take”)).