SnapPhonics

nearest

NIH-ruhst/ˈnɪ.rəst/adjective
  1. adjectiveClosest in space or position.

  2. adjectiveClosest in time.

  3. adjectiveMost closely connected or related.

  4. adjectiveMost important or dear to someone.

  5. adjectiveMost similar or closest in nature or degree.

  6. nounA surname.

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Syllables

nearest

2 syllables

Letters

Base word

near

Related words (same phonics pattern)

Phonics breakdown

n

Phonics Rule: Letter N

The letter N makes the /n/ sound, like in 'net', 'nap', and 'nut'. The tongue tip touches behind the upper teeth.

N is a voiced alveolar nasal — the tongue tip touches the ridge behind the upper teeth while voice hums through the nose. It is one of the most common consonants in English.

Tip

N hums through the nose — say /n/ and feel the buzz!

Examples

ear

Phonics Rule: EAR says /ɪər/

EAR usually makes the /ɪər/ sound, like in 'ear', 'hear', and 'near'.

EAR most often says /ɪər/ (the 'ear' sound): ear, hear, near, year, clear, dear, fear.

Tip

Hear with your ear — hear, near, year!

Examples

est

Phonics Rule: Suffix -EST

Adding -EST means 'the most', like 'biggest' and 'fastest'.

The suffix -est makes a superlative — it means 'the most' of something. 'Big' → 'biggest' means the most big of all.

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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