diacritical marks

/daɪəkrɪtɪkəl mɑːrks/

phrase★Intermediate

formal

Diacritical marks are symbols added to letters to indicate a change in pronunciation or to distinguish words with similar spellings.

The word 'naïve' includes a diacritical mark.

The word 'café' uses a diacritical mark.

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Diacritical marks are commonly used in languages such as French, Spanish, and German.

Synonyms

From the Greek words 'dia' (through) and 'kritikos' (able to judge or distinguish).

Diacritical marks are essential in many languages to ensure correct pronunciation and meaning.

English Dictionary