Guttural

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈɡʌt(ə)rəl/

Definitions

• 1. Relating to or produced in the throat.
• 2. Harsh-sounding or throaty in nature.

Usage Examples

• "He spoke in a deep, guttural voice that resonated in the room."
• "The guttural sounds of the language were difficult for the learner to pronounce."

Etymology

Derived from Latin guttur meaning "throat," and later adapted into French as guttural, entering English in the 17th century.

Synonyms

• Throaty, raspy, hoarse

Antonyms

• Clear, melodious, soft

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English, "guttural" is typically pronounced with a sharper "t" sound, while in British English, the pronunciation may be softer.

Historical Usage

Historically, the term has been used to describe certain speech sounds in linguistic studies and phonetics.

Cultural Nuances

Guttural sounds are often associated with Semitic and Germanic languages, and some languages, like Arabic and Hebrew, are known for their guttural phonemes.

More Information

The term "guttural" is often used to describe speech that is harsh or rough, and it is commonly referenced in phonetics to classify certain consonantal sounds produced in the throat.