diphthongize

[ dif-thawng-ahyz, -gahyz, -thong-, dip- ]

verb (used with object)

, diph·thong·ized, diph·thong·iz·ing.

1. to change into or pronounce as a diphthong.

verb (used without object)

, diph·thong·ized, diph·thong·iz·ing.

1. to become a diphthong.

diphthongize

/ ˈdɪp-; -ˌɡaɪz; ˈdɪfθɒŋˌaɪz /

verb

1. often passive to make (a simple vowel) into a diphthong

Derived Forms

• ˌdiphthongiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• diphthong·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of diphthongize¹

First recorded in 1865–70; diphthong + -ize

Example Sentences

His O vowel is less diphthongized than most American speech, and he tends to avoid contractions.

From New York Times

In the same way what we call "long a" is a short-e sound diphthongized.

From Project Gutenberg

The new ü did not long hold its own; it became diphthongized to iu and was amalgamated with the native iw of words like new and slew.

From Project Gutenberg