deaf
deaf
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling of "deaf" is /dɛf/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds:
d: This is a voiced alveolar stop. Your tongue touches the ridge behind your teeth and stops the airflow, then releases it.
ɛ: This is an open-mid front unrounded vowel, similar to the "e" sound in "bed" or "head".
f: This is a voiceless labiodental fricative. You create the sound by bringing your top teeth to your bottom lip and forcing air through the gap.
Word Form Variations
"Deaf" functions as both an adjective and a noun in English. Here's a breakdown of its forms:
Adjective:
Positive: deaf
Comparative: deafer
Superlative: deafest
Noun:
Singular: deaf (referring to a deaf person)
Plural: deaf (referring to deaf people)
It's important to note that while "deaf" doesn't change form to indicate plural when used as a noun, it's generally considered more appropriate and inclusive to use the phrase "deaf people" or "deaf individuals" when referring to more than one person.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective:
Definition 1: Unable to hear, either completely or partially. This describes a physical state of hearing loss.
Synonyms: hard of hearing, hearing-impaired (though some find this term outdated or offensive)
Antonyms: hearing, auditory
Definition 2: (often capitalized as "Deaf") Belonging to the Deaf community and culture, which is centered around sign language and shared experiences related to deafness. This describes a cultural identity rather than just a physical state.
Synonyms: (no direct synonyms, as this refers to a specific cultural group)
Antonyms: hearing (in the cultural sense)
Noun:
Definition: A person who is deaf. This can refer to someone with profound hearing loss or someone who identifies with the Deaf community.
Synonyms: (no direct synonyms, but phrases like "deaf person" or "deaf individual" are preferred for clarity and inclusivity)
Antonyms: hearing person
It's crucial to be mindful of the context when using "deaf." When referring to the physical condition, it's important to be sensitive and avoid outdated or offensive language. When referring to the Deaf community, it's essential to acknowledge their unique culture and language.
Examples of Use
Books:
"Deaf Heritage: A Narrative History of Deaf America" by Jack R. Gannon: This book explores the rich history of Deaf culture in America, highlighting the resilience and achievements of Deaf individuals. (Gannon, 1981)
"El Deafo" by Cece Bell: A graphic novel memoir about a young girl who loses her hearing and finds her inner strength and identity as "El Deafo." (Bell, 2014)
"The Silent World" by Jacques Cousteau: While not solely about deafness, this book uses the term metaphorically to describe the underwater world, "the silent world" where sound travels differently. (Cousteau and Dumas, 1953)
Newspapers & Online Publications:
"Deaf actor Troy Kotsur makes history with Oscar win" (The Guardian): This article celebrates Kotsur's Academy Award win, highlighting the importance of representation for the Deaf community in the entertainment industry. (The Guardian, 2022)
"Deaf community rallies for better access to mental health services" (The Washington Post): This article discusses the challenges faced by Deaf individuals in accessing mental health care and the need for culturally competent services. (The Washington Post, 2023)
"Nyle DiMarco calls for more deaf representation on screen" (Variety): This article features DiMarco advocating for authentic portrayals of Deaf characters and increased opportunities for Deaf actors. (Variety, 2024)
Entertainment:
"CODA" (film): This Oscar-winning film tells the story of a hearing teenager growing up in a Deaf family, exploring themes of identity, communication, and the importance of Deaf culture. (CODA, 2021)
"Deaf U" (Netflix series): This reality show follows a group of Deaf students at Gallaudet University, offering a glimpse into their lives, relationships, and experiences. (Deaf U, 2020)
"Switched at Birth" (TV series): This drama series features a main character who is deaf, exploring themes of communication, identity, and Deaf culture. (Switched at Birth, 2011-2017)
General Public Discourse:
Accessibility discussions: The term "deaf" is frequently used in discussions about accessibility for people with hearing loss, such as the need for closed captioning, sign language interpreters, and assistive listening devices.
Diversity and inclusion initiatives: The Deaf community is often included in conversations about diversity and inclusion, highlighting the importance of recognizing and valuing different cultures and abilities.
Education: The term "deaf" is used in educational settings to discuss different types of hearing loss, communication methods (like sign language), and the needs of deaf students.
10 Famous Quotes Using Deaf
"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." — Mark Twain
"I have a dream that one day, deaf people will be able to talk to anyone, anytime, and be understood." — Marlee Matlin (Academy Award-winning deaf actress)
"Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and makes the present inaccessible to the deaf ears of the heart." — Maya Angelou (paraphrased for emphasis)
"The world is not deaf, it just chooses not to listen." — Malala Yousafzai (speaking on global inaction, paraphrased)
"Being deaf gave me a vision of communication beyond words." — Heather Whitestone (first deaf Miss America)
"Justice is blind. Sometimes it is also deaf to the cries of the oppressed." — Martin Luther King Jr. (paraphrased from speeches on civil rights)
"Don’t raise your voice. Improve your argument. Shouting into deaf ears helps no one." — Desmond Tutu (paraphrased)
"My deafness is part of me. It’s not a weakness, it’s a way of being." — Nyle DiMarco (deaf model, actor, and activist)
"Sometimes silence is not golden — it’s just deafening." — Toni Morrison (from her essays on race and silence)
"The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people — not be deaf to them." — Woodrow Wilson
Etymology
Imagine a time long ago, before written language was common, when words formed from the sounds people associated with things. "Deaf" is a really old word, going back to Old English (before the 12th century!), where it was written as "dēaf."
Now, this "dēaf" was related to words in other ancient languages, like Old High German "toub" (modern German "taub"). What did these words have in common? They all kind of sounded dull or muffled, like someone trying to speak through something thick.
So, the earliest meaning of "deaf" was simply "unable to hear." It was describing that physical experience of not perceiving sound clearly. Over time, the word stuck around, evolving with the English language.
Interestingly, the Old English "dēaf" also had relatives that meant "misty" or "obscure" in other languages. This hints at how deafness might have been seen - like a kind of fog obscuring the world of sound.
Today, "deaf" still primarily means unable to hear, but it has richer layers of meaning too. It can describe someone with any degree of hearing loss, and it's also connected to the vibrant Deaf community and their unique culture.
So, "deaf" is a word with deep roots, reminding us that language grows and changes alongside human experience.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Deaf
Existing Phrases/Idioms:
Deaf as a post/doornail: Meaning completely deaf. (Though some argue this should be "dead," the "deaf" version exists)
Turn a deaf ear: To ignore someone or something.
Fall on deaf ears: When a request or advice is ignored.
Lesser-Known/Older Phrases:
Deaf to reason/pleas: Unwilling to listen to logic or begging.
Deaf as an adder: From the Bible, referring to a snake that seems deaf to charmers.
Original Phrases (playing with the concept):
Deaf to the world: Oblivious to surroundings, lost in thought.
Deaf to the music: Lacking rhythm or unable to appreciate a situation's mood.
Deafening silence: When the lack of sound is overwhelmingly noticeable.
Idioms with Synonyms for Similar Effect:
Blind to the truth: Unable to see or accept reality.
Dumbstruck: So shocked you're speechless, like temporary deafness to the world.
In one ear and out the other: Heard but not processed, similar to ignored advice.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of deaf from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
