How Do You Spell SORT OF?

Pronunciation: [sˈɔːt ɒv] (IPA)

The spelling of the phrase "sort of" is a bit tricky because it does not follow the typical English spelling rules. Its pronunciation is /sɔrt ʌv/ which means the first syllable is pronounced with a short "o" sound, followed by a soft "r" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound "uh" followed by a "v" sound. Despite its unusual spelling, "sort of" is a commonly used English phrase that means "kind of" or "somewhat".

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling word
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SORT OF Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "sort of" is an idiomatic expression used to convey an approximation or acknowledgement of something that is partly accurate or true. It is often used to express a degree of uncertainty or hesitation regarding the accuracy or specificity of a statement or assertion. In essence, "sort of" serves as a qualifier or softener, allowing speakers to indicate that while what they are saying may not be entirely accurate, it is somewhat indicative of the situation or concept being discussed.

    Generally, "sort of" is employed to signify that the subject being referred to falls into a category or has traits that align with a certain description, albeit not in a precise or definitive manner. It can also be used to suggest that the statement being made is only partially true or that there are extenuating circumstances that might alter its accuracy.

    This expression is frequently used in casual conversations, allowing individuals to express their thoughts without committing fully to a definitive statement. By using "sort of," people can convey a sense of ambiguity or approximation, avoiding absolute conclusions and leaving room for interpretation or further discussion.

Top Common Misspellings for SORT OF *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SORT OF

  • aort of
  • zort of
  • xort of
  • dort of
  • eort of
  • wort of
  • sirt of
  • skrt of
  • slrt of
  • sprt of
  • s0rt of
  • s9rt of
  • soet of
  • sodt of
  • sott of
  • so5t of
  • so4t of
  • sorr of
  • sorf of

Etymology of SORT OF

The phrase sort of originated from the Old French word sorte, meaning manner, kind. It entered the English language in the late 16th century and was initially used to imply a certain classification or type. Over time, it evolved to indicate partial agreement or approximation when used in conjunction with verbs or adjectives. The word sort itself can be traced back to the Latin word sors, which means lot or fate.

Idioms with the word SORT OF

  • (a) sort of The idiom "(a) sort of" is used to describe something in a vague or uncertain manner. It implies that the statement being made is not entirely accurate or definitive, but rather a rough approximation or a way to express something that is somewhat true. It often indicates that the speaker is hesitant or unable to provide a straightforward answer or description.
  • sort of sth The idiom "sort of something" is often used to describe something that is similar to or somewhat like a particular thing but not exactly or fully that thing. It implies that there is some level of resemblance or similarity, but not a complete or precise match. It can also be used to express uncertainty or hesitancy in describing or categorizing something.
  • a sort of something The idiom "a sort of something" is used to describe something that is not a precise or exact example of what is mentioned, but rather something similar or comparable to it. It implies that the thing being referred to is not a perfect match, but shares some characteristics or qualities with it.
  • sort of something The idiom "sort of something" is used to describe a situation or characteristic that is partially true or accurate, but not entirely. It implies that the thing being described is somewhat similar or reminiscent of the mentioned quality, but not a perfect representation of it. It suggests a certain degree of uncertainty or approximation in describing something.
  • sort of The idiom "sort of" is used to indicate that something is partially true or accurate, but not completely. It is often used as a qualifier to show that the speaker is unsure or hesitant in their statement.
  • kind of/sort of The idiom "kind of/sort of" is used to indicate that something is partially true or to a certain extent, but not completely or exactly.

Similar spelling word for SORT OF

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