Ratites are a group of flightless birds with flat sternums and broad, sparse wings, including ostriches, emus, and rheas. The term also refers to any similar flightless bird in various families. In biology and ornithology contexts, ratites are studied for their anatomy, behavior, and evolutionary history. They are notable for their large size and distinctive lung and gizzard adaptations.
- US: rhotic /ɹ/ in initial position, clear /æ/ then /aɪ/; slight vowel length differences with fast speech. UK: non-rhotic, slight rounding on vowels; AU: similar to US with slight vowel harmonization in fast speech. - Vowels: /æ/ as in 'cat' before /t/; /aɪ/ as in 'kite' in the second syllable; /ɹ/ or /r/ depending on accent; final /ts/ cluster. - IPA references: US /ˈræ.taɪts/, UK /ˈræt.aɪts/, AU /ˈræ.taɪts/. - Tips: Practice with minimal pairs: rat- vs rate-, try longer vowel durations in careful speech, then reduce gradually.
"The ratites include the giant ostrich, the speedy emu, and the wary rhea."
"Researchers compared ratites’ sternums to understand why they lost flight."
"He specialized in ratites and their peculiar respiratory systems."
"The exhibit focused on ratites’ fossil record and biogeography."
Ratite derives from Latin ratitus, related to ratere ‘to scrape or rub’ (for flat chests), and from Greek ratitis, possibly from rhachis ‘spine’ or ratis ‘raft’ in some classifications. The term has been used in zoology since the 16th–18th centuries to describe a broad, non-flying subset of birds with flat, keel-less sternums. Early naturalists contrasted ratites with flying birds, emphasizing wing and chest morphology. Over time, taxonomic revisions refined the group to include lineages such as Struthioniformes (ostriches), Rheiformes (rheas), Casuariiformes (cassowaries and emus), and Apterygiformes (kiwis) in some schemes, though classification varies by source. The word entered English academic usage during a period of rapid ornithological classification, with first known formal mentions in 18th- or 19th-century field guides and encyclopedias. The concept evolved from morphological description of “rat-like” flat chests to a more precise phylogenetic grouping, particularly after the advent of molecular systematics, which clarified relationships among ratites and their flightless syndrome across Gondwanan continents.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Ratites" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Ratites" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Ratites" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "Ratites"
-tes sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
Pronounce as /ˈræ.taɪts/ in US/UK/AU with primary stress on first syllable. The first syllable rhymes with 'rat'; the second syllable uses the 'eye' diphthong /aɪ/ as in 'kite'. Final consonant cluster is a clear /ts/. Say RAT-ites quickly and ensure the /t/ is released before the /s/ to avoid an extra syllable. Listen to native pronunciation on Forvo or YouGlish for confirmation.
Common errors: (1) Misplacing stress, saying ra-TITES or ra-ti-TS; (2) Saying /æ/ in the second syllable or blending it into /aɪ/ too evenly; (3) Not releasing the t before s, producing a /t/ + /s/ blend or a silent /t/. Correction: emphasize first syllable /ˈræ/ clearly, keep /aɪ/ in the second syllable, and release the /t/ into /s/ with a crisp /ts/ cluster: RAT-ites.
In US and AU, the pronunciation is /ˈræ.taɪts/ with rhotics and a clearer /ɪ/ vs /aɪ/ distinction; UK tends to have a slightly shorter /aɪ/ and vowel timing, but core is /ˈræt.aɪts/. The main difference is vowel duration and rhythm, not a different phoneme set. All share the /ˈræ.taɪts/ ending; the stress remains on the first syllable. Regional liaison may affect how the t resolves into s in rapid speech.
It blends a stressed front vowel /æ/ with the /aɪ/ diphthong in the second syllable and ends with the voiceless affricate /ts/. The rapid transition from /æ/ to /aɪ/ and the /t/ before /s/ can blur in fast speech. The need to keep the first syllable strong while not over-articulating the second syllable makes it tricky. Practice the clean /ˈræ.taɪts/ with slow, deliberate mouth movements before speed work.
No letters are silent in Ratites; all letters contribute to the pronunciation. The second syllable contains the long /aɪ/ diphthong; the t is pronounced, followed by s to form /ts/. There is no silent vowel or consonant. Ensure you articulate /t/ crisply before /s/ and keep the initial /ɹ/ or /r/ sound solid depending on your accent.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "Ratites"!
- Shadowing: listen to a native speaker pronouncing RAT-ites and imitate in real time, matching rhythm. - Minimal pairs: rat vs rate; rats vs raids; ta vs tie; to sharpen /æ/ vs /eɪ/ contrasts. - Rhythm practice: the word has two syllables with strong first; practice clapping on RAT and tapping on the second syllable's onset. - Stress and intonation: keep initial stress; in an entire sentence, mark the focal word with slightly higher pitch on RAT-ites. - Recording: record yourself reading taxonomy or ornithology texts containing ' ratites', compare with a reference.
No related words found
