junc
ture
Plural
junctures
1
a certain stage or point in an activity, a process, or a series of events, particularly important
- At this critical juncture, the company must decide whether to expand or downsize.
- The negotiations reached a tense juncture when both sides refused to compromise.
- The project is at a juncture where we need to finalize the design before moving forward.
- At such a juncture, it's essential to carefully weigh the consequences of each decision.
- She knew that this juncture in her career would determine her future success.
Synonyms:
2
the way in which two or more things meet, join, or are connected
- The juncture between the two metal plates was welded seamlessly.
- Cracks appeared at the juncture of the wall and ceiling.
- The architect studied the juncture where the old building met the new extension.
- The pipe failed at the juncture due to poor sealing.
- The juncture of the two rivers formed a wide delta.
Synonyms:
3
the manner in which speech sounds are linked or separated, involving pauses, transitions, and rhythm, which affects how words are distinguished and understood
Juncture refers to the way in which sounds or syllables are connected or separated in speech, affecting the meaning and clarity of spoken language. It involves the pauses or transitions between words or sounds and can change the interpretation of a phrase. For example, in the phrase "I scream," a slight pause or change in juncture can differentiate it from "ice cream." Juncture is important in phonetics and linguistics because it helps convey meaning and intent in spoken language, highlighting how the organization of sounds can impact communication and understanding.
- In "night rate" vs. "nitrate," the juncture between sounds changes the meaning.
- Clear juncture helps listeners distinguish between similar-sounding phrases.
- Misplaced juncture can lead to humorous misunderstandings in spoken language.
- Linguists study juncture to understand how speech flows naturally.
- Juncture plays a key role in parsing rapid or slurred speech.