swear
verbTo use rude or offensive words.
verbTo make a serious promise or say something is true in a way that shows you really mean it.
verbTo promise solemnly and formally that something is true, often in a court of law.
nounA rude or offensive word.
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: SW Blend
SW blends /s/ and /w/ together, like in 'swim', 'sweet', and 'swing'.
SW appears only at the beginning of words or syllables. Both sounds are clearly heard — the /s/ hiss followed immediately by the /w/ glide.
Tip
SW swoops — /sw/ swim, sweet, swing!
Examples
Phonics Rule: EAR says /ɛər/ (bear)
EAR can make the /ɛər/ sound, like in 'bear', 'wear', and 'pear'.
EAR sometimes says /ɛər/ (the 'air' sound) in a small set of words: bear, wear, pear, swear, tear (rip).
Tip
A bear has hair — bear, wear, pear!
Examples
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