distortion
nounWhen something is twisted or bent out of its normal shape.
nounA false or misleading account of something that is not true.
nounAn effect used on electric guitars to make a fuzzy or harsh sound.
nounUnwanted noise or crackling that happens when sound is played through speakers or headphones.
Syllables
3 syllables
Letters
Related words (same phonics pattern)
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: Prefix DIS-
DIS- means 'not' or 'the opposite of'. 'Disagree' means 'not agree'.
The prefix dis- reverses or negates a word. 'Agree' → 'disagree' (not agree); 'appear' → 'disappear' (stop appearing).
Tip
DIS- undoes it — disagree, dishonest, disappear!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Letter T
The letter T makes the /t/ sound, like in 'top', 'tap', and 'ten'. The tongue tip taps behind the upper teeth.
T is a voiceless alveolar stop. The tongue tip touches the ridge behind the upper teeth and releases with a puff of air. Double T (tt) makes the same /t/ sound.
Tip
T taps — touch your tongue to make /t/!
Examples
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
Phonics Rule: Suffix -TION
-TION says /shun/! It turns verbs into nouns, like 'action' and 'nation'.
The suffix -tion is pronounced /ʃən/ (shun). It usually turns a verb into a noun: 'act' → 'action'. The TI makes a /ʃ/ sound, which is unusual for T.
Tip
TION says SHUN — the nation takes action!
Examples
What is SnapPhonics?
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