surprise
nounSomething that you did not know was going to happen.
nounThe sudden feeling you get when something unexpected happens.
verbTo make someone feel shocked or pleased by doing something they did not expect.
verbTo attack someone when they are not expecting it.
Syllables
2 syllables
Letters
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: Letter S
The letter S usually makes the /s/ sound, like in 'sun', 'sit', and 'sock'. Air hisses through a small gap.
S is a voiceless alveolar fricative when it makes the /s/ sound. At the end of many words it can also make a /z/ sound (as in 'dogs' or 'has'). At the start of a word it is always /s/.
Tip
S hisses like a snake — sssssun!
Examples
Phonics Rule: R-Controlled UR
When R comes after U, it makes the /ɜːr/ sound, like in 'turn' and 'burn'.
UR makes the same /ɜːr/ sound as ER and IR. It's the least common of the three spellings.
Tip
The nurse with fur says /ɜːr/!
Examples
Phonics Rule: PR Blend
P and R blend together — you hear both sounds! Like in 'print' and 'price'.
The blend PR combines /p/ and /r/ spoken quickly together.
Examples
Phonics Rule: Silent E with I (Magic E)
In the i-consonant-e pattern, the E at the end is silent and makes the I say its name — like in 'bike' and 'time'. Teachers often call this the Magic E.
In the pattern i-consonant-e (like 'bike'), the final E is silent but makes the I say its long sound /aɪ/.
Tip
Magic E makes I say its name!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Letter S
The letter S usually makes the /s/ sound, like in 'sun', 'sit', and 'sock'. Air hisses through a small gap.
S is a voiceless alveolar fricative when it makes the /s/ sound. At the end of many words it can also make a /z/ sound (as in 'dogs' or 'has'). At the start of a word it is always /s/.
Tip
S hisses like a snake — sssssun!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Silent E with I (Magic E)
In the i-consonant-e pattern, the E at the end is silent and makes the I say its name — like in 'bike' and 'time'. Teachers often call this the Magic E.
In the pattern i-consonant-e (like 'bike'), the final E is silent but makes the I say its long sound /aɪ/.
Tip
Magic E makes I say its name!
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.