A blend is characterized by which feature?

A blend is characterized by the joining of two or more consonants where each consonant retains its individual sound. This process results in a combination that creates a new, consonant cluster that appears at the beginning or end of words, such as "bl" in "black" or "st" in "stop." This distinct characteristic of blending contrasts with other phonetic processes.

Choosing the option about joining two or more consonants into one sound captures the essence of a blend, as it emphasizes that while multiple consonants come together, they do not lose their unique sounds. This feature is foundational for understanding pronunciation and spelling patterns in English, especially for learners of the language.

Other options, such as combining vowels or using single letters, do not accurately describe blends, as they pertain to different aspects of phonetics and phonology. The creation of a separate sound from consonants also does not align with the definition of a blend since it suggests a separation rather than a combination.