verbal aspiration
[/ˈvɜːrbəl æspəˈreɪʃən/]
nounpl: verbal aspirations
aspiração verbal
1. In linguistics, the pronunciation of a consonant with an audible breath or fricative sound, typically represented by an 'h' sound following the consonant
In English, the 'p' in 'pin' is pronounced with verbal aspiration, while the 'p' in 'spin' is not.
Em inglês, o 'p' em 'pin' é pronunciado com aspiração verbal, enquanto o 'p' em 'spin' não é.
2. An expressed desire, ambition, or hope for future achievement or success
Her verbal aspiration to become a doctor was evident in every conversation.
Sua aspiração verbal de se tornar médica era evidente em cada conversa.
The term 'verbal aspiration' is primarily used in two contexts: linguistic/phonetic studies (particularly in teaching English to Portuguese speakers, as Portuguese has different aspiration patterns) and in general discourse about ambitions and goals. In Brazilian culture, verbal expression of aspirations is common in educational and professional settings, reflecting an emphasis on articulating one's goals and dreams.
Related Idioms & Phrases
to voice one's aspirations
to express one's ambitions verbally
to put aspirations into words
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