SnapPhonics

adorable

uh-DAW-ruh-buhl/ə.ˈdɔ.rə.bəl/adjective
  1. adjVery cute and loveable, so that people want to hug or love it.

Save to your word list — create a free account

Syllables

adorable

4 syllables

Letters

Related words (same phonics pattern)

Phonics breakdown

a

Phonics Rule: Schwa

In unstressed syllables, vowels often make a lazy 'uh' sound called schwa, like the A in 'about'.

Schwa /ə/ is the most common vowel sound in English. Any vowel letter can make the schwa sound when it's in an unstressed syllable. It sounds like a quick, lazy 'uh'.

Tip

Schwa is lazy — any vowel can say 'uh' when it's not stressed!

Examples

d

Phonics Rule: Letter D

The letter D makes the /d/ sound, like in 'dog', 'day', and 'dig'. The tongue tip touches behind the upper teeth.

D is a voiced alveolar stop. The tongue tip touches the ridge just behind the upper front teeth, then releases with voice. It reliably makes the /d/ sound in almost all positions.

Tip

D is for dog — and dog starts with /d/!

Examples

or

Phonics Rule: R-Controlled OR

When R comes after O, it makes the /ɔːr/ sound, like in 'for' and 'corn'.

OR makes the /ɔːr/ sound. Unlike ER/IR/UR which all sound the same, OR has its own distinct sound. The companion rule r_controlled_or_er covers the /ɜːr/ pronunciation after W (word, work).

Tip

OR — the horse in the corner says /ɔːr/!

Examples

able

Phonics Rule: Suffix -ABLE

The suffix -ABLE means 'can be done'. It turns verbs into adjectives.

-ABLE means capable of: readable = can be read, washable = can be washed, breakable = can be broken. The vowel in -ABLE uses the schwa sound /ə/, making it sound like 'uh-bul'.

Tip

-ABLE means you're able to do it — readable means you can read it!

Examples

What is SnapPhonics?

A phonics reference for teachers, parents and learners. Every English word, broken into the sounds that make it — with audio, syllables, and the rule behind each spelling.

Save words to study lists, build flashcard decks, and scan your own worksheets and books.