Definition & Bedeutung von "syncope"

What is "syncope"?

Syncope is a phonological process in which one or more sounds, typically vowels, are omitted from within a word, often to simplify pronunciation or to fit into a particular rhythm. This process can occur in casual speech or as part of language evolution. For example, the word "probably" is often pronounced as "probly" in rapid speech, where the vowel sound is dropped. Syncope is significant in linguistics because it illustrates how words can change over time and how speakers may adapt their language for ease of communication, providing insights into sound patterns and linguistic efficiency.