complementary distribution
[/ˌkɒmpləˈmɛntəri dɪstrɪˈbjuːʃən/]
nounpl: complementary distributions
distribuição complementar
1. A linguistic principle in which two or more phonetically similar sounds (allophones or allomorphs) never occur in the same phonetic environment, with each sound appearing in different, mutually exclusive contexts
The sounds [p] and [pʰ] are in complementary distribution in English: [pʰ] appears at the beginning of stressed syllables while [p] appears after /s/.
Os sons [p] e [pʰ] estão em distribuição complementar no inglês: [pʰ] aparece no início de sílabas tônicas enquanto [p] aparece após /s/.
2. A situation in linguistics where two variants of a linguistic unit occur in mutually exclusive environments, suggesting they are variants of a single underlying unit rather than separate units
The morphs '-s' and '-es' in English plurals show complementary distribution, appearing after different types of sounds.
Os morfes '-s' e '-es' nos plurais do inglês mostram distribuição complementar, aparecendo após diferentes tipos de sons.
This is a technical term primarily used in academic linguistic contexts within universities and linguistic research. It is essential terminology for students of phonology, morphology, and general linguistics courses. The term is used consistently across English-speaking and Portuguese-speaking academic communities without significant regional variation.
Related Idioms & Phrases
in complementary distribution
show complementary distribution
mutually exclusive environments
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →