Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

zero-grade

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.41 in modern English

Syllables
ze-ro--grade
IPA
20
Scrabble Score
9
Letters
4
Syllables
7
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

In Proto-Indo-European linguistics, an ablaut form of a root characterized by the absence of the basic ablauting vowel phonemes */e/ and */o/.

Example Sentences

Etymology

From zero + grade, as in gradation (“apophony”). Possibly after German Nullstufe.

Inflected Forms

zero-grades (plural) zero grade (alternative)

Frequently Paired Words

e-grade / full-grade o-grade lengthened grade

Synonyms

vanishing grade

Questions

What does zero-grade mean?
In Proto-Indo-European linguistics, an ablaut form of a root characterized by the absence of the basic ablauting vowel phonemes */e/ and */o/.
Where does zero-grade come from?
From zero + grade, as in gradation (“apophony”). Possibly after German Nullstufe.

How to pronounce zero-grade

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “zero-grade”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “zero-grade”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “zero-grade” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.