1. A method of teaching reading that emphasizes the relationship between letters and sounds, rather than memorizing whole words; the opposite of whole-word or sight-word reading instruction.
Usage: Often used in educational contexts; sometimes called 'phonics' more commonly in modern usage; The prefix 'a-' is archaic or rare; 'phonics' is the standard modern term

Examples

• The school adopted aphonics to help struggling readers decode unfamiliar words.
• Teachers using aphonics instruction teach students to blend individual letter sounds together.
• Research supports aphonics as an effective early literacy intervention.
• The reading program combines aphonics with comprehension strategies.