What is a diphthong?

A diphthong is best described as two vowels combining to form a single sound. This phonetic phenomenon occurs when the tongue moves from one vowel position to another within the same syllable, resulting in a blended sound that is perceived as a single unit. For example, in the word "coin," the combination of "o" and "i" creates a unique vowel sound that differs from either vowel being pronounced alone.

The understanding of diphthongs is important in phonetics and phonology, as they play a significant role in the pronunciation of many words in English and other languages. By recognizing diphthongs, educators can better support phonics instruction, helping students develop strong reading and speaking skills.

In contrast, a consonant blend consists of two or more consonant sounds that are pronounced in sequence without losing their individual sounds. A silent letter is a written character that does not correspond to a phonetic sound in a particular word, and a sound that includes three vowels does not align with the definition of a diphthong, which specifically involves a combination of two vowels.