SnapPhonics

dark

DARK/ˈdɑrk/adjective
  1. adjectiveHaving very little or no light.

  2. adjectiveA colour that is not bright or light.

  3. nounThe time when there is no sunlight, especially night-time.

  4. adjectiveNot clear or easy to understand.

  5. adjectiveEvil or wicked.

  6. adjectiveSad and without hope.

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Syllables

dark

1 syllable

Letters

Word forms:

Related words (same phonics pattern)

Phonics breakdown

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

ar

Phonics Rule: R-Controlled AR

When R comes after A, it changes the sound to /ɑːr/, like in 'car' and 'star'.

When A is followed by R, the R 'bosses' the vowel and changes its sound. Instead of short A or long A, you hear /ɑːr/. R-controlled vowels are sometimes called 'Bossy R'.

Tip

Bossy R takes the car to the farm!

Examples

k

Phonics Rule: Letter K

The letter K makes the /k/ sound, like in 'kite', 'kit', and 'king'.

K always makes the /k/ sound. It is used before E, I, and Y where C would make an /s/ sound instead. K is silent before N at the start of a word (knife, know).

Tip

K is for kite — and kite starts with /k/!

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.

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