Lenis

Quick meaning: Lenis is an adjective meaning (phonetics) A lenis consonant.

Meaning

(phonetics) A lenis consonant.

More Meanings

1. (phonetics, of a consonant) Relatively weakly articulated, hence unaspirated and possibly voiced; especially as compared to the others of a group of homorganic consonants.

Example Sentences

Unaspirated [p] is lenis in Danish, the corresponding fortis consonant being [pʰ]. The same sound is fortis in French, the corresponding lenis consonant being [b].

All vowels, whether short or complex, are relatively shorter when followed by a fortis consonant and relatively longer when followed by a lenis one or, for those where this is possible, when no consonant follows (in free or unchecked syllables).

Word Forms

• lenes

Synonyms for lenis

Depending on context, synonyms include lax.

Antonyms for lenis

Common opposites include fortis.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include lispy, laryngealized, soft, labiated, semiweak, low-octane.

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