What does the word 'breve' mean and how is it pronounced?

breve

noun

How to pronounce breve?

The word breve sounds like breve
/briv/

What is the definition of breve?

nouna diacritical mark (U-shaped) placed over a vowel to indicate a short sound

What is the meaning of breve?

  • Breve is a noun that refers to a written mark (˘) placed above a vowel to indicate a short or unstressed pronunciation.

What is the origin of the word breve?

  • The word breve comes from the Latin word 'brevis' meaning 'short'.

Can breve also refer to a musical note?

  • Yes, breve can also refer to a double whole note, which is a musical note that is held for a longer duration than a whole note.

What are some examples of words that use breve marks?

  • Some examples of words that use breve marks are: café, naïve, résumé, exposé, crème, and façade.

Is the word breve commonly used in English?

  • While the word breve itself is not commonly used in English, the breve mark is used in various loanwords and borrowed terms.

What is the opposite of breve?

  • The opposite of breve is a macron, which is a written mark (¯) placed above a vowel to indicate a long or stressed pronunciation.

Are there any other meanings of the word breve?

  • Apart from its usage as a mark indicating pronunciation or a musical note, the word breve can also refer to a short syllable in poetry.

What is the plural form of breve?

  • The plural form of breve is breves.

Can breve be used as a verb?

  • No, breve is not used as a verb.

Can breve marks appear on consonants?

  • No, breve marks are typically placed above vowels to indicate pronunciation.