Stuttering Meaning and Definition
Stuttering
Pronunciation
/stʌtərɪŋ/?
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A disruption in the normal flow of speech that involves a repetition or prolongation of sounds, syllables, or words, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as tension, stiffening, and struggle to speak.
Examples
- The doctor specializes in treating childhood stuttering.
- Stuttering is a neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide.
- After seeking therapy, Sarah noticed significant improvement in her stuttering.
- John struggled with stuttering throughout his childhood, but with the help of speech therapy, he was able to overcome it.
- Stuttering can be caused by genetics, brain injury, or developmental delays.
- The charity organization works to raise awareness about stuttering and provide support for individuals who stutter.
Synonyms
- Stammering
- Stammer
Antonyms
- Fluency
- Promptness
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Etymology
The word “Stuttering” has its roots in the 15th century, derived from the Old English phrase “stuttera”, meaning to stumble or hesitate in speech. Over time, the term evolved to describe the specific condition characterized by repetition or prolongation of sounds, syllables, or words.
Usage Notes
When using the term “Stuttering”, it’s essential to approach the subject with sensitivity and respect. Avoid stigmatizing or pathologizing language, and instead focus on promoting understanding and acceptance. When discussing stuttering with individuals who experience it, consider their comfort level and use language that they prefer.
Cultural References
Stuttering has been featured in various forms of media, including films, television shows, and literature. Notable examples include the 1990 film “Born on the Fourth of July”, which tells the story of a man who overcomes stuttering, and the TV show “The King of Queens”, which features a main character who stutters.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idioms or phrases that include the word “stuttering” include:
- “Stuttering on the edge of a precipice”, meaning to be on the verge of making a significant mistake or decision.
- “Stuttering through a sentence”, implying a lack of confidence or clarity in one’s speech.
Related Words or Phrases
Other words or phrases closely related to “Stuttering” include:
- Fluency
- Speech therapy
- Stammering
- Tongue-tied
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Frequency of Use
According to the Oxford English Corpus, “Stuttering” is a relatively uncommon term, ranking 1,344th in frequency among 450,000 words. However, its usage has been increasing in recent years, particularly in contexts related to speech therapy, linguistics, and disability rights.