epenthesis

Definition: Inserting a consonant, vowel, or syllable into a word to make it easier to pronounce.
Example:
(1) The name Dwight becomes Du-wight and
(2) the word mischievous becomes mis – chee – vee – ous.
Etymology: The word derives from the Greek epi, on + en, in + thesis, putting.
Oxford English Dictionary: Its first citation is from 1657:
"Epenthesis is the interposition of a letter or syllable in the midst of a word."
(J. Smith Myst. Rhet. 171)



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