Enclisis

/ɛnˈklɪsɪs/ noun

Definition

A linguistic term referring to the phonetic reduction or weakening of a word that becomes attached to the following word in pronunciation.

Etymology

From Greek 'enklisis,' from 'enklinein' (en- 'in' + klinein 'to lean'), literally meaning 'a leaning in'; contrasts with proclisis.

Kelly Says

Enclisis is why 'do you' becomes 'dyou' in casual speech—the word leans toward the next one, a phonetic process that shows how our mouths naturally take shortcuts when we talk.

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