SnapPhonics

unfair

uhn-FAIR/ən.ˈfɛr/adjective

Not right or not treating everyone the same way.

It is unfair that some students get more candy than others.

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Syllables

unfair

2 syllables

Letters

Related words (same phonics pattern)

Phonics breakdown

un

Phonics Rule: Prefix UN-

UN- means 'not' or 'the opposite of'. 'Unhappy' means 'not happy'.

The prefix un- is added to the beginning of a word to mean 'not' or to reverse an action. 'Happy' → 'unhappy' (not happy). 'Do' → 'undo' (reverse doing).

Tip

UN makes it undone — unhappy, unfair, unlike!

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

air

Phonics Rule: AIR says /ɛər/

AIR makes the /ɛər/ sound, like in 'air', 'hair', and 'chair'.

AIR is an r-controlled vowel team saying /ɛər/ (the 'air' sound): air, hair, fair, chair, pair, stairs.

Tip

AIR is in the air — hair, chair, pair!

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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