binary opposition

binary opposition
noun
phonetics : one of a number of pairs of diametrically opposed characteristics (as voicedness or voicelessness) taken as a basis for the classification of speech sounds

* * *

Ling.
a relation between the members of a pair of linguistic items, as a pair of distinctive features, such that one is the absence of the other, as voicelessness and voice, or that one is at the opposite pole from the other, as stridency and mellowness.
[1950-55]

* * *

binary opposition,
Linguistics. a distinguishing or significant contrast between two speech components: »

The existence of such a binary opposition as n:ng in English is proved by the use of such different pairs of words as kin and king…winning and winging. Clearly n and ng…are two phonemes in English (Simeon Potter).


Useful english dictionary. 2012.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Binary opposition — In critical theory, a binary opposition (also binary system) is a pair of theoretical opposites. In structuralism, it is seen as a fundamental organizer of human philosophy, culture, and language. In post structuralism, it is seen as one of… …   Wikipedia

  • binary opposition — Ling. a relation between the members of a pair of linguistic items, as a pair of distinctive features, such that one is the absence of the other, as voicelessness and voice, or that one is at the opposite pole from the other, as stridency and… …   Universalium

  • Binary system — may refer to:*binary numeral system *Binary opposition, a dichotomy *binary system (astronomy), a system of two celestial bodies on a mutual orbit *in chemistry, a chemical system involving two steps/processes or two substances …   Wikipedia

  • binary — I. noun (plural ries) Date: 15th century something made of or based on two things or parts: as a. binary star b. a binary number system II. adjective Etymology: Late Latin binarius, from Latin bini two by two more at bin …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • Binary economics — is a heterodox theory of economics that endorses both private property and a free market but proposes significant reforms to the banking system. The aim of binary economics is to ensure that all individuals receive income from their own… …   Wikipedia

  • binary — bi•na•ry [[t]ˈbaɪ nə ri, nɛr i[/t]] adj. n. pl. ries. 1) consisting of, indicating, or involving two 2) math. a) of or pertaining to a system of numerical notation to the base 2, in which each place of a number, expressed as 0 or 1, corresponds… …   From formal English to slang

  • Binary theory — Theory The o*ry, n.; pl. {Theories}. [F. th[ e]orie, L. theoria, Gr. ? a beholding, spectacle, contemplation, speculation, fr. ? a spectator, ? to see, view. See {Theater}.] 1. A doctrine, or scheme of things, which terminates in speculation or… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Claude Lévi-Strauss — This article is about the anthropologist. For the clothing manufacturer, see Levi Strauss. Claude Lévi Strauss Lévi Strauss in 2005 Full name Claude Lévi Strauss Born 28 November 1908(1908 11 28) …   Wikipedia

  • Structuralism (french) and after — French structuralism and after De Saussure, Lévi Strauss, Barthes, Lacan, Foucault Hugh J.Silverman FERDINAND DE SAUSSURE The history of structuralism cannot be thought without Ferdinand de Saussure (1857– 1913). The Swiss linguist lecturing in… …   History of philosophy

  • BIBLE — THE CANON, TEXT, AND EDITIONS canon general titles the canon the significance of the canon the process of canonization contents and titles of the books the tripartite canon …   Encyclopedia of Judaism

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”