Definition
disfluency
noun
- a disruption in the smooth flow of speech, such as stuttering, stammering, or hesitation
Usage: commonly used in speech-language pathology and linguistics; can refer to involuntary or voluntary interruptions in speech
Examples
- The speech therapist worked with the child to reduce disfluency during reading.
- Nervousness can cause temporary disfluency in public speaking.
- Disfluency is a normal part of language development in young children.
- The presenter's disfluency became more noticeable as he grew anxious.
- Research shows that some disfluencies are developmental and resolve naturally.
- Stuttering is one type of disfluency that may benefit from professional treatment.