Silent Letters

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.

Isle is a noun meaning a small island, typically in a larger body of water. It denotes land surrounded by water but smaller than a continent or major island. The word is often used in historical or literary contexts and is pronounced with a silent initial I, focusing on the /aɪl/ vowel cluster. It encapsulates the concept of isolated landmasses and their characteristic seaward separateness.

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.

Knight is a noble title and a skilled warrior in historical or fantasy contexts. As a noun, it denotes a person granted chivalric rank or a defender of a realm; in modern usage, it can still imply honor or prowess. The word is silent-letters-rich, with a single-syllable pronunciation that blends consonantal and vowel cues from Old English roots. pronunciation varies by accent but the core meaning centers on status and valor.

Knowledge refers to the information, understanding, and skills acquired through experience or education. It encompasses awareness of facts, truths, or principles, and the ability to apply them in reasoning or problem-solving. In practice, knowledge combines familiarity, comprehension, and the capacity to use insight in decision-making.

Lamb is a young sheep or a meat dish from a lamb carcass. In everyday English it commonly refers to the animal, and in culinary contexts it denotes lamb meat. The word conveys innocence or gentleness in metaphorical use, and appears in various idioms and expressions beyond literal farming contexts.

Listen is a verb meaning to give attention with the ear in order to hear something carefully or to pay attention to someone speaking. It implies active, attentive hearing rather than passive hearing, often signaling intention to understand. In everyday use, it also appears in phrases like listen up or listen to me, directing focus or compliance. (2-4 sentences, ~60 words)

Often is an adverb used to describe frequency, meaning many times or frequently. In everyday speech it can also function as a soft filler indicating likelihood, or be part of fixed phrases (for example, 'we often'). The pronunciation varies regionally, with some speakers stress-placing and others de-emphasizing the second syllable; this guide provides precise guidance for expert learners.

Phlegm is a noun referring to the thick mucus produced in the respiratory tract, often expelled from the throat or nose. It is typically sticky and viscous, associated with colds or allergies, and sometimes described as a bodily secretion that can hinder breathing. In medical or everyday contexts, it denotes this mucus as a substance to be cleared or treated.

Psalm is a noun referring to a sacred song or hymn, traditionally part of religious liturgy, or a biblical collection of such songs. It also can denote a composition that expresses praise, devotion, or worship. The word is treated as a fixed lexical item in English, often appearing with verbs like recite, sing, or compose.

Raspberry is a noun referring to a small aggregate fruit with a hollow center, typically red or red-pink, composed of drupelets. It also denotes the plant bearing these berries. In everyday use, it often describes the flavor, color, or edible product, and can appear in phrases like “raspberry preserves.” The word is commonly used in culinary, botanical, and dessert contexts, and may also be a shorthand for the color or fruit-derived products.

Receipt is a noun meaning a written acknowledgment that a payment has been received, or the act of receiving something. It traditionally refers to a document issued by a seller, but can also denote the right to obtain goods. In everyday use, it also appears in phrases like “receipt of grant funds.” The term has historical ties to receipt as a record-keeping concept in commerce and accounting.

Rustle is a noun meaning a soft, fluttering or rustling sound, like leaves or fabric moving quietly. It can describe the audibly subtle noise made by clothing, grass, or paper in a gentle breeze. In literature, it evokes a discreet, often nocturnal atmosphere and physical action that is almost silently felt rather than loudly heard.

Salmon is a noun referring to a large migratory fish, often raised or caught for food. It also denotes the pinkish-orange color associated with the fish flesh. The word is commonly used in culinary, fishing, and dietary contexts, and includes a silent 'l' in standard pronunciation. In everyday speech, it functions as a concrete noun with specialized uses in biology and cuisine.

Scheme is a noun referring to a plan or program, especially one designed to achieve a particular aim. It can also denote a clever or devious plot. The term emphasizes organized structure and intent, often implying strategy, method, or a systematic approach, sometimes with negative connotations in the sense of manipulation.

Scythe is a long-bladed agricultural tool used for mowing or harvesting crops, traditionally with a curved blade attached to a wooden shaft. It is also used metaphorically to denote a cutting implement or the act of cutting down. As a noun, it denotes the tool itself and, in some contexts, the sweeping motion associated with harvesting. Pronounced with a sibilant initial and a voiceless fricative ending, it sits in expert-level pronunciation due to its silent letters and vowel quality.

Sign is a monosyllabic verb and noun meaning a perceptible indication or gesture that conveys information or a request. It also refers to a written sign or symbol used to represent a concept, instruction, or name. The word hinges on precise initial consonant articulation and a final, long i vowel that blends with a clear, clipped ending in rapid speech.