velarize
|ve-la-rize|
/ˈvɛləˌraɪz/
making velar / adding velar quality
Etymology
'velarize' originates from Modern English/Neo-Latin formation: the combining form 'velar-' (from Latin 'velum') plus the verb-forming suffix '-ize', where the Latin 'velum' meant 'veil' or 'sail' and was used anatomically for the soft palate (velum).
'velarize' developed from the adjective 'velar' (literally 'of the velum'), which itself comes from Latin 'velum' (used in anatomical contexts for the soft palate); the verbal suffix '-ize' was attached in English to form 'velarize' as a verb meaning 'make velar'.
Initially related to 'of the velum' (pertaining to the soft palate); over time it came to mean specifically 'to make or render a sound velar' (to add velar articulation).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
(phonetics) To make (a speech sound) velar; to produce or pronounce a sound with the back of the tongue against the soft palate (the velum), or to give a sound a velar quality.
Many dialects of English velarize /l/ in syllable-final position (producing a "dark l").
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/23 01:31