markedness

/ˈmɑːrktnəs/

Definitions

1. noun

The quality or state of being marked or distinctive; a linguistic or phonological property of a sound or sound pattern that distinguishes it from others.

“The markedness of the sound /l/ in certain languages is a notable aspect of their phonology.”

Synonyms

  • characteristic
  • distinctiveness

Antonyms

  • sameness
  • uniformity