THE WORDCRAFT DEFINITION DICTIONARY
fricative
noun
A speech sound made by forcing air through a narrow passage.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
A USEFUL DISTINCTION
Usage note
Friction consonant is an explanatory equivalent. Continuant is broader and is not an exact synonym for every fricative.
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Examples in context
The instructor used the sound at the start of fine to illustrate a fricative.
The learner practiced the fricative slowly before repeating the word.
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Related meanings
Related words can differ in tone and context; they are not always interchangeable.
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Vocabulary Studio 28: Flout to frolicsomeReading 2 / Open lessonAPPLY IT AND RETURN
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This entry is part of the vocabulary collection supplied by GlobalRPh. Definitions are concise study meanings. Examples combine original teaching sentences with selected passages adapted from the supplied study notes; their source is labeled beside each example. A word may have additional specialized or historical senses.
Term requested in the October 5, 2026 supplied word list. Definition, alternatives and examples authored for WordCraft; WordNet senses and targeted dictionary checks inform the lexical review.
Source study sections: October 2026 additions.
Friction consonant is an explanatory equivalent. Continuant is broader and is not an exact synonym for every fricative.
Dictionary scope and sources