Cedilla definitions
| Word backwards | allidec |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Syllabic division | ce-dil-la |
| Plural | The plural of the word cedilla is cedillas. |
| Total letters | 7 |
| Vogais (3) | e,i,a |
| Consonants (3) | c,d,l |
Have you ever noticed a small mark beneath the letter "c" in some words? That mark is called a cedilla. A cedilla is a diacritical mark placed under the letter "c" to modify its pronunciation. It is commonly used in languages such as French, Portuguese, and Catalan.
Origin and Purpose
The cedilla originated in Spanish during the 16th century and was initially used to indicate a soft pronunciation of the letter "c" when it appeared before the vowels "e" and "i." Over time, its usage spread to other languages where it serves a similar purpose, indicating a soft "c" sound.
Appearance
In written form, a cedilla is a small hook or tail added to the bottom of the letter "c." This mark distinguishes it from a regular "c" and signifies the change in pronunciation. For example, in French, "garçon" uses a cedilla under the "c" to indicate a soft "c" sound.
Usage in Different Languages
In French, Portuguese, and Catalan, the cedilla is used to change the pronunciation of the letter "c" to /s/ instead of /k/ when it appears before the vowels "e" and "i." For example, in Portuguese, "açaí" uses a cedilla under the "c" to indicate an "s" sound.
Overall, the cedilla is a vital diacritical mark in various languages, providing essential phonetic information and guiding correct pronunciation. Its unique appearance under the letter "c" serves as a visual cue for speakers and learners alike. So, next time you see a "c" with a small hook underneath, remember the significance of the cedilla in language.
Cedilla Examples
- The word façade includes a cedilla under the letter c.
- She pronounced the word garçon with a correct cedilla sound.
- I added a cedilla to the word soupçon to maintain its French spelling.
- The cedilla in the word façade changes the pronunciation of the letter c.
- He knew how to correctly use the cedilla in words borrowed from French.
- The word reçu has a cedilla under the letter c in French.
- She wrote the word papier-mâché with a proper cedilla under the letter c.
- In Portuguese, the cedilla is used in the word maçã to soften the letter c.
- The use of a cedilla distinguishes certain letters in Turkish from their counterparts in other languages.
- He always remembered to include a cedilla when typing the word façade for his French class.