How to pronounce

devices

The word "devices" can be dissected into its constituent sounds for better understanding of its pronunciation in both British and American English. Here are the IPA transcriptions for each:

American Pronunciation: /dɪˈvaɪsɪz/
- Begins with the /dɪ/ sound, where the tongue is positioned low and towards the front of the mouth, just behind the upper front teeth.
- Followed by the /ˈvaɪ/ part, which features the 'v' sound made by the upper teeth and lower lip, and the 'ai' sound similar to the word "eye."
- Ends with the /sɪz/ sound, starting with the 's' produced by air passing out through the teeth, and the /ɪz/, which is the plural marker often pronounced with an added vowel sound to ease the transition between the two consonants.
British Pronunciation: /dɪˈvaɪsɪz/
- The pronunciation is very similar to the American version, with slight variations in the quality of the vowel sounds and the rhoticity of the speech. However, for the word "devices," the pronunciations are essentially identical in both accents.

Definition of

devices

Devices (n): The plural form of "device," referring to tools, machines, or instruments invented for a particular purpose, especially technological or electronic items.

What does it mean

devices

The word "device" originates from the Old French "devis," meaning "plan, scheme, design, intention," which in turn derives from the Latin "divisus," past participle of "dividere" meaning "to divide." The transition from a term that primarily referred to a plan or scheme to one that denotes a physical object or tool reflects the evolution of language as technological advancements expanded the word's applicability. The plural form "devices" follows standard English rules for pluralization of nouns ending in a voiced sound, where an 'es' is added, and the final 's' is pronounced as /ɪz/ to create a separate syllable, facilitating pronunciation.