fortis
/ˈfɔrtɪs/
adjective
- In phonetics, describing a consonant that is pronounced with relatively strong muscular tension and breath force, such as p, t, k in English.
- In English, the 'p' in 'pin' is a fortis consonant, while the 'b' in 'bin' is lenis.
- The fortis 't' in 'top' is aspirated, unlike the lenis 'd' in 'dop'.
- Linguists classify sounds as fortis or lenis based on the amount of energy used.
Antonyms
noun
- A fortis consonant.
- The student correctly marked all the fortis in the phonetic transcription.
- In many languages, fortis are voiceless and lenis are voiced.
- The teacher asked the class to identify the fortis in the word 'cat'.