Definition & Meaning of "circumflex"

What is a "circumflex"?

A circumflex is a diacritical mark that appears as a small, curved line placed above a vowel, resembling a roof or a caret (ˆ). It is used in various languages, most notably in French, to indicate a change in pronunciation or to signify that a letter has been omitted. For example, in the word "hôtel," the circumflex over the "o" indicates a historical change where the letter "s" was dropped. In some cases, it can also denote vowel length or stress. The circumflex is important in written language because it helps clarify pronunciation and meaning, contributing to the overall understanding of words in languages that utilize it.