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lax vowel
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lax vowel

linguistics
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In linguistics, a "lax vowel" is a vowel articulated with less muscular effort, a slightly lower tongue position, and a shorter duration compared to a "tense vowel". The term "lax" itself, in this context, means not tense, firm, or rigid. This contrasts with tense vowels, which are produced with greater muscular effort. Examples of lax vowels in English include the vowel sound in "fit" and "pack". The articulation of vowels is classified based on tongue and lip position, and whether the air passes through the nose.12

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