Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

international-phonetic-alphabet

noun
/ˌɪntəˈnæʃənl fəˈnɛtɪk ˈælfəˌbɛt/
Definition
A system of phonetic notation designed to represent the sounds of spoken language.
Examples
  • The word ‘cat’ is represented in the IPA as /kæt/.
  • Many language courses use the International Phonetic Alphabet to teach pronunciation.
Meaning
The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) provides a set of symbols to accurately depict how words are pronounced in any language, making it easier for people to understand pronunciation regardless of their native language.
Synonyms
  • IPA
  • Phonetic script
  • Phonetic notation