Silent Letters

Burgeon is a verb meaning to begin to grow or increase rapidly; to flourish or expand quickly. It is often used to describe ideas, populations, or industries that are rapidly developing. The word carries a sense of vigorous, outward growth, not merely incremental change. It’s commonly used in formal or literary contexts as well as analytic writing.

Cache (noun): a hidden store of provisions or valuables; in computing, a temporary storage location. The term implies secrecy and quick retrieval, often used to describe a small, concealed reserve. It is pronounced with a single syllable in common use, emphasizing a crisp initial consonant and a short final vowel sound.

Castle is a nervy, durable noun referring to a fortified residence or fortress. It can also denote a heavily fortified building or complex, such as a castle ruin or a defensive stronghold. In modern usage, it often appears in historical discussions, architecture, gaming, and literature, carrying connotations of medieval defense, grandeur, and strategic importance.

Comb (noun) is a small toothed tool used for arranging, detangling, or trimming hair. It typically has a handle and evenly spaced teeth. The term can also refer to the act of arranging hair with such a tool. In figurative use, “comb” can describe a careful examination or arrangement of something.

Corps is a singular noun referring to a group of people organized for a shared purpose, typically within a military or service context. In modern usage it often denotes an official unit or organization (e.g., Peace Corps, Marine Corps) rather than a physical corps body. The word is etymologically French and is pronounced with a silent final s, differentiating its written form from its spoken form.

Debris is scattered remnants or fragments resulting from destruction or wear, typically referring to rubble, fragments, or discarded material. As a noun, it denotes loose pieces left behind after an event, accident, or collapse, and can describe naturally occurring fragments or man-made debris. The term conveys a sense of disorder and detritus rather than intact objects.

Debt is a noun referring to something owed, typically money, or an obligation arising from borrowing. It encompasses the amount owed and the responsibility to repay it, often with interest. In broader use, debt can denote a moral or social obligation or a lack of resources owed to someone else.

Gnome is a mythical, usually small-spired creature associated with nature, forests, and garden lore. In modern usage it refers to a legendary being, often depicted with a beard and hat, that guards or tends gardens. The word is used metaphorically to describe someone who is quiet, hidden, or slight in stature, and appears in folklore, literature, and fantasy contexts.

Half is a unit meaning one of two equal parts of a whole. As a noun, it denotes one of two equal portions, or figuratively a portion or share. It can function in phrases like 'half a dozen' or 'halve the value' and carries both literal and metaphorical senses in everyday language.

Honest is an adjective meaning truthful or sincere, free from deceit. It commonly describes someone who speaks the truth or a situation that is genuine and not misleading. It can also imply reliability and integrity, often used in phrases like 'an honest mistake' or 'honest assessment.'

Hour is a noun referring to a period of sixty minutes, used to mark time or duration. It can function as both a measure of clock time (e.g., “three o’clock”) and a span within a schedule or sequence (e.g., “an hour later”). The word is typically unstressed in phrases, and its core meaning centers on a standardized timing unit rather than a momentary instance.

A hymn is a song or poem of praise, usually religious, traditionally sung in communal worship. It is typically concise, metrically regular, and designed to be sung aloud by a group. In broader use, hymns are any lyrical pieces that celebrate or invoke a higher power, often featuring refrains and a clear melodic structure.

Island is a noun referring to a landmass completely surrounded by water. It can be natural or man-made and varies greatly in size and isolation. In speech, the word is notable for its silent 's' and its two-syllable rhythm, often linked to a short schwa in casual pronunciation.

Knife is a short, singular-edged implement used for cutting or slicing. It is typically made of metal with a sharp blade and a handle, and is often found in kitchens or workshops. In pronunciation, the word begins with a silent K followed by a vowel-less consonant blend, yielding a compact, crisp onset and a trailing, high-amenable vowel sound.