Words Starting With AU

Ah, the allure of words that begin with "AU"! These two letters may appear unassuming at first glance, but they hold the power to transform language into something extraordinary. From influencing pronunciation with their unique diphthong sound to lending a certain elegance to the words they form, "AU" is the dynamic duo that keeps linguists and word enthusiasts on their toes. Prepare to delve into the captivating world of "AU" as we explore some fascinating examples that will surely pique your curiosity.

About words starting with AU

Words starting with "AU" are truly a linguistic treasure trove. The "AU" combination often creates a specific vowel sound—like in "author" or "audible"—that gives these words a distinct auditory flair. This sound can evoke various feelings and meanings, from the grandeur of "aura" to the practicality of "audit." The presence of "AU" can even alter the tone, rendering words more formal or carrying an air of sophistication. In essence, these two letters serve as a portal to a world of nuanced vocabulary.

In terms of frequency, you'll find "AU" gracing many words in English, both common and specialized. Their placement at the beginning of a word can signal various meanings, often tied to classical roots. For instance, "AU" can indicate something related to sound or hearing, as seen in "audio" and "auditorium." The impact of this letter combination isn't limited to semantics—pronunciation also plays a critical role. Who knew two little letters could wield such influence?

Popular word examples

The world of "AU" is brimming with popular words that are not only useful but also quite charming. Let's explore some of these crowd-pleasers:

Author

• Definition: A person who writes books, articles, or other literary works.
• Example in a Sentence: "J.K. Rowling is a renowned author known for the Harry Potter series."
• Fun Fact: The word "author" comes from the Latin "auctor," meaning "originator" or "creator."

Audience

• Definition: A group of people gathered to hear or see a performance, speech, etc.
• Example in a Sentence: "The audience erupted into applause after the stunning performance."
• Fun Fact: Originating from the Latin "audientia," it implies "the act of hearing."

August

• Definition: The eighth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
• Example in a Sentence: "We're planning a vacation for August."
• Fun Fact: Named after Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor.

Aura

• Definition: A distinctive atmosphere or quality that seems to surround a person or thing.
• Example in a Sentence: "She had an aura of mystery about her."
• Fun Fact: In spiritual contexts, an aura can refer to a field of energy surrounding a person.

Audit

• Definition: An official inspection of an individual's or organization's accounts.
• Example in a Sentence: "The company undergoes an annual audit."
• Fun Fact: "Audit" stems from the Latin "auditus," meaning "a hearing."

Autumn

• Definition: The season between summer and winter, characterized by falling leaves and cooler temperatures.
• Example in a Sentence: "Autumn is my favorite season because of the colorful foliage."
• Fun Fact: In American English, it's often referred to as "fall."

Augment

• Definition: To increase or make something greater.
• Example in a Sentence: "He took a second job to augment his income."
• Fun Fact: The word has its roots in the Latin "augmentare," which means "to increase."

Authentic

• Definition: Genuine; real; not false or copied.
• Example in a Sentence: "This painting is an authentic Picasso."
• Fun Fact: "Authentic" is derived from the Greek "authentikos," meaning "original."

Auspicious

• Definition: Conducive to success; favorable.
• Example in a Sentence: "They chose an auspicious day for their wedding."
• Fun Fact: In ancient Rome, "auspices" were signs from the gods interpreted by priests.

Audible

• Definition: Able to be heard.
• Example in a Sentence: "The speaker's voice was barely audible over the noise."
• Fun Fact: The term is frequently used in sports, particularly American football, to describe a play call that's changed verbally at the last moment.

High-scoring scrabble examples

For those with a competitive streak, words starting with "AU" can be your best friend on a Scrabble board. Check out these high-scoring gems:

Popular 5-letter words for Wordle

Wordle enthusiasts, rejoice! Here are some nifty five-letter words starting with "AU" that might just save your day:

Unusual and rare word examples

Dive into the lesser-known depths of the "AU" kingdom with these rare and unusual words that add zest to your vocabulary:

Aurochs

• Definition: An extinct species of large wild cattle.
• Interesting Fact: Aurochs were the ancestors of modern domestic cattle.
• Example in a Sentence: "The aurochs roamed Europe until they became extinct in the 17th century."

Aureole

• Definition: A circle of light or brightness surrounding something, especially as depicted in art around the head of a saint.
• Interesting Fact: "Aureole" comes from the Latin "aureolus," meaning "golden."
• Example in a Sentence: "The painting depicted an angel with a bright aureole."

Aulic

• Definition: Relating to a royal court.
• Interesting Fact: Derived from the Greek "aulikos," referring to palace dwellers.
• Example in a Sentence: "He held an aulic position, advising the king directly."

Aurify

• Definition: To turn into gold.
• Interesting Fact: It's a rare, almost poetic term, harking back to alchemical practices.
• Example in a Sentence: "The tale spoke of a wizard who could aurify common metals."

Aumbry

• Definition: A small recess or cupboard in the wall of a church.
• Interesting Fact: Originally used for storing sacred vessels and vestments.
• Example in a Sentence: "The chalice was kept safe within the aumbry."

Final words

Words starting with "AU" are more than just a linguistic quirk—they're a key to unlocking a treasure chest of meaning, sound, and cultural richness. Whether you're a Scrabble champion, a Wordle wizard, or simply a lover of language, these words offer endless opportunities for exploration and delight. So next time you encounter an "AU" word, take a moment to appreciate its unique charm and the story it tells.