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semifixed features

[/ˌsɛmiˈfɪkst ˈfiːtʃərz/]
nounpl: semifixed features
características semifixa
1. In sociolinguistics and dialectology, linguistic features that show variable usage patterns between fixed and variable features, typically exhibiting intermediate levels of stability or standardization across different speakers or regions.
The pronunciation of the vowel in 'nurse' represents a semifixed feature in English dialects.
A pronúncia da vogal em 'nurse' representa uma característica semifixa nos dialetos ingleses.
2. Linguistic or phonological characteristics that are neither completely standardized nor entirely variable, occupying a middle ground in terms of consistency and frequency of occurrence.
Semifixed features in urban speech often reflect ongoing language change.
Características semifixas na fala urbana frequentemente refletem mudança linguística em andamento.
Synonyms
intermediate featuresvariable featuresunstable features
Antonyms
fixed featuresinvariant featuresstable features

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
características semifixa
Standard usage in linguistic studies
Portugal
características semifixa
Common in Portuguese sociolinguistic literature

Related Idioms & Phrases

variable linguistic features
sociolinguistic variables
phonological variation
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