mute
adjNot making any sound at all.
nounA small object placed on a musical instrument to make it quieter.
verbTo turn off the sound on something.
nounA person who is unable to speak.
nounA button or control that stops the sound coming out.
verbTo make something quiet or silent.
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: Letter M
The letter M makes the /m/ sound, like in 'map', 'mud', and 'mop'. Both lips press together with voice through the nose.
M is a voiced bilabial nasal — both lips press together while the voice hums through the nose. Double M (mm) makes the same /m/ sound.
Tip
M hums like mmm — press your lips and hum!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Silent E with U — /juː/ (Magic E)
In the u-consonant-e pattern, the E at the end is silent and makes the U say its name with a /j/ glide — like 'cute' and 'use'. Teachers often call this the Magic E.
In the u-consonant-e pattern, the silent E makes U say /juː/ by default. After L, R, S, or J, see the companion rule silent_e_u_e_oo for the /uː/ pronunciation.
Tip
Magic E makes U say YOO!
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: Silent E with U — /juː/ (Magic E)
In the u-consonant-e pattern, the E at the end is silent and makes the U say its name with a /j/ glide — like 'cute' and 'use'. Teachers often call this the Magic E.
In the u-consonant-e pattern, the silent E makes U say /juː/ by default. After L, R, S, or J, see the companion rule silent_e_u_e_oo for the /uː/ pronunciation.
Tip
Magic E makes U say YOO!
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.