fascist
PronouncedFA-shihst
nounSomeone who supports a harsh, controlling government that does not allow freedom.
adjectiveRelating to a harsh, controlling government that does not allow freedom.
adjectiveUnfairly harsh or strict in a way that seems mean.
nounA member of Italy's ruling party from 1922 to 1943.
Syllables
2 syllables
Letters
Related words (same phonics pattern)
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: Letter F
Sound“f”·/f/
The letter F makes the /f/ sound, like in 'fish', 'fun', and 'fox'. The upper teeth touch the lower lip.
F is a voiceless labiodental fricative — the upper front teeth rest on the lower lip while air flows through to make the /f/ sound. It is very consistent.
Tip
F is for fish — and fish starts with /f/!
Examples
When the letter A appears in a closed syllable (a syllable that ends with a consonant), it usually makes the short A sound “a”. This is one of the first vowel sounds students learn.
Tip
A says “a” like a cat that sat on a mat.
Examples
Phonics Rule: SC says “sh”
Sound“sh”·/ʃ/
In a few words, SC before E or I says “sh”, like in 'conscience' and 'conscious'.
In some words, the SC before E or I blends into the “sh” sound: conscience, conscious, luscious, fascist, crescendo. This is different from SC saying /s/ (scene) or /sk/ (scan).
Tip
SC can whisper “sh” — conscious and luscious!
Examples
When the letter I appears in a closed syllable, it usually makes the short I sound “ih”. This is one of the trickiest short vowels because it sounds similar to short E.
Tip
I says “ih” like an itch you can't miss.
Examples
Phonics Rule: ST Blend
Sound“st”·/st/
S and T blend together — you hear both sounds! Like in 'stop' and 'fast'.
The blend ST combines /s/ and /t/ spoken quickly together. It can appear at the beginning or end of a word.
Examples
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