What is it called when a letter is silent?

What is it called when a letter is silent?

Updated January 21, 2020. In English pronunciation, a silent letter—a term used informally—is a letter or letter combination of the alphabet that is usually not pronounced in a word. Examples include the b in subtle, the c in scissors, the g in design, the t in listen, and the gh in thought.

How do you know if a word has a silent letter?

Find out which letters are most often silent. In English, if a word follows the CVCV (consonant-vowel-consonant-vowel) pattern, a final E is almost always silent.

Is knave a bad word?

Knave, rascal, rogue, scoundrel are disparaging terms applied to persons considered base, dishonest, or worthless. Knave, which formerly meant merely a boy or servant, in modern use emphasizes baseness of nature and intention: a dishonest and swindling knave.