Standard Lemma guide

lenite

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˈliːnaɪt/
  • /ləˈnaɪt/

1

verb

Meaning 1

To cause (a consonant) to undergo lenition.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Topics: human-sciences, linguistics, phonetics, phonology, sciences

Examples

  • This environment lenites "m" to "mh".

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To undergo lenition.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Topics: human-sciences, linguistics, phonetics, phonology, sciences

Examples

  • "M" lenites to "mh".

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Back-formation from lenition.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: lenieren — cause a consonant to undergo lenition
  • Irish: séimhigh — cause a consonant to undergo lenition
  • Scottish Gaelic: sèimhich — cause a consonant to undergo lenition
  • Spanish: lenizar — cause a consonant to undergo lenition
  • Spanish: lenificar — cause a consonant to undergo lenition