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Glossolalia: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Glossolalia noun. Speech that sounds like a language but isn't one, especially in religious worship.
How to say it
gloss-uh-LAY-lee-uh/ˌɡlɒsəˈleɪlɪə/
5 syllables, stressed on the third (LAY).
Glossolalia in a sentence
The researcher recorded glossolalia at several services and found it used the speakers' own sounds.
The toddler's glossolalia had the rhythm of real sentences and none of the words.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- speaking in tongues
Where glossolalia comes from
From Greek glōssa, tongue or language, and lalia, speech.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
The toddler's _____ had the rhythm of real sentences and none of the words.
- aposiopesis
- glossolalia
- philippic
Show the answer
glossolalia: The toddler's glossolalia had the rhythm of real sentences and none of the words.