Apocope

Apocope

Definition

Apocope represents the cutting off/loss of one or more sounds or letter at the end of a word. It affect not just only for simplified word, but also changes the way we pronounce it, as well as the sound it makes.

Etymology

The word "Apocope" comes from Greek word ἀποκοπή (apokopḗ) from ἀποκόπτειν (apokóptein) which means "cutting off". (apo-) is "away from" while (kóptein) is "to cut". Just like the definition is, either we cut some words or make it seperate.

Comment

Apocope is basically a language techniques and functions in writing and speech. Sometimes we don't know anything nor applying in terms of familiarity. Usually we merge some word like do not to form don't, these are type of contracting the words. From the origin, apocope is the omission of one or more letters, sounds, or syllables from the end of a word. Its more simplified or even more recognizable and evolved. Apocope its function in another language, not just English.

Synonym

Apparently, there is a few noun which similarity with Apocope. First one is Aphaeresis, which is the cutting off/loss of one or more sounds or letter at the start of the word (Example > Sample). Second one is Syncope, which is the add of a word in between a word that through the loss of a sound or letter (Rest(au)rant). And last one is like a combination for Aphaeresis and Apocope (Influenza > Flu).

Other

In Popular places, we usually heard a place like (Gym, Zoo, Pub, Lab). Its actually an Apocope from (Gymnasium, Zoological Garden, Public House, Laboratory). In Society life, sometimes we haves friend with a long name, or that are quite difficult to pronounce. And we simplified like Jackson > Jack, Marcus > Marc, Tobias > Toby, Giorgino > Gio, and etc.

Example

• photograph > photo
• advertisement > ad
• Alexander > Alex
• lufu > love {Old English}
• primero (First) > primer {Spanish}
• bueno (good) > buen > buen hombre {Spanish}

Other Language

Greek : ἀποκοπή

Deutsch : die Apokope

Spanish : Apócope

References

Campbell, Lyle (2007). Glossary of Historical Linguistics. Edinburgh University Press. p. 13. ISBN 978-0-7486-3019-6.

Crowley, Terry. (1997) An Introduction to Historical Linguistics. 3rd edition. Oxford University Press.