fronting

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈfɹʌntɪŋ/

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ʌntɪŋ

Noun

fronting (countable and uncountable, plural frontings)

1. (phonetics, phonology) A process whereby a vowel or a consonant is pronounced farther to the front of the vocal tract than some reference point.
2. (phonology) A phonological relationship where a front vowel is found in place of a relative back vowel in an inflected form of a word.
3. (linguistics) An analogous relationship between the vowel sounds in a dialect of a language relative to the language standard or an earlier form of the language.
4. (syntax) The movement of a word of phrase to nearer the beginning of a sentence or clause than it would usually appear, often for emphasis. May also occur as part of the standard syntax of particular constructions (e.g. wh-fronting).
5. (slang) An act of putting on a false façade to impress people.

Derived terms

• th-fronting

Verb

fronting

1. present participle and gerund of front