Absent letters in English words are letters that are not pronounced when speaking, but are still considered part of the word. Despite not being pronounced, these letters play a role in the history or etymology of the word.
Here are some examples of absent letters that are heard anyway in English words:
- The 'b' in thumb - The 'b' in 'thumb' is silent, but it is still part of the spelling of the word.
- The 'k' in knight - The 'k' in 'knight' is another silent letter that is still written in the word.
- The 'p' in psychology - The 'p' in 'psychology' is not pronounced, but it is essential to the spelling of the word.
- The 'w' in wrestle - The 'w' in 'wrestle' is another example of an absent letter that is still part of the word.
- The 'l' in salmon - The 'l' in 'salmon' is not pronounced in standard English, but it is present in the spelling.
These absent letters that are heard anyway may seem confusing at first, but they add to the richness and complexity of the English language.
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