SnapPhonics

relief

rih-LEEF/rɪ.ˈliːf/noun
  1. nounThe feeling you get when something worrying or painful stops.

  2. nounHelp or food given to people who need it.

  3. nounA sculpture or carving where shapes stick out from a flat background.

  4. nounThe differences in height you can see on a map or piece of land.

  5. nounA person who takes over someone else's job or position.

  6. nounMoney or help given by a court to fix a wrong or solve a problem.

Save to your word list — create a free account

Syllables

relief

2 syllables

Letters

Related words (same phonics pattern)

Phonics breakdown

re

Phonics Rule: Prefix RE-

RE- means 'again'. 'Redo' means 'do again'.

The prefix re- means 'again' or 'back'. 'Read' → 'reread' (read again). 'Build' → 'rebuild' (build again).

Tip

RE means again — redo, replay, return!

Examples

l

Phonics Rule: Letter L

The letter L makes the /l/ sound, like in 'lamp', 'leg', and 'lip'. The tongue tip touches behind the upper teeth.

L is a voiced lateral approximant — the tongue tip touches the ridge behind the upper teeth while air flows around the sides. Double L (ll) makes the same /l/ sound.

Tip

L is for lamp — light it up with /l/!

Examples

ie

Phonics Rule: IE Vowel Team (Long E)

When IE appears in the middle of a word, it usually says long E, like in 'piece' and 'chief'.

The vowel team IE makes the long E sound /iː/ in the middle of a word. Examples: piece, chief, field, shield, brief. Remember: I before E except after C.

Tip

IE in the middle says EE — piece, chief, field!

Examples

f

Phonics Rule: Letter 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

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.