Which of the following sets illustrates sound symbolism in English?
Show Hint
- mash, splash, bash, crash
- flash, shine, sear, glimmer
- duck, suck, luck, tuck
- forte, piano, allegro, crescendo
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Sound symbolism refers to the relationship between sound patterns and meaning, where certain sounds evoke particular sensory impressions.
Step 2: Analysis of option (A).
Words like {mash}, {splash}, {bash}, and {crash} imitate or suggest forceful physical actions through their phonetic structure, especially the consonant clusters and final fricatives.
Step 3: Elimination of other options.
Option (B) refers to meanings related to light rather than sound.
Option (C) shows rhyme but not symbolic sound–meaning correspondence.
Option (D) consists of musical terms borrowed from Italian, not sound-symbolic English words.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, option (A) correctly illustrates sound symbolism.
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