How Do You Spell THE WORD?

Pronunciation: [ðə wˈɜːd] (IPA)

The spelling of "the word" follows the conventional English spelling pattern, using the letters "t-h-e" to represent the /ðə/ sound and "w-o-r-d" to represent the /wɜːrd/ sound. The first sound, /ðə/, is a schwa vowel followed by a voiced dental fricative. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is represented as /ðə/. The second sound, /wɜːrd/, is a combination of a labial-velar approximant /w/ and a short version of the vowel /ɜː/, represented in IPA as /wɜːrd/.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
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THE WORD Meaning and Definition

  1. The word is a linguistic unit, typically consisting of one or more meaningful elements that can be spoken or written and is used to convey a specific idea, concept, or expression. It is the fundamental building block of language, representing a sound or a combination of sounds that has a particular meaning. Words serve as the primary means of communication, allowing individuals to articulate their thoughts, emotions, experiences, and intentions.

    In written form, words are formed by combining letters or characters in a specific order, while in spoken form, they are produced by vocalizing or articulating various sounds. They can be further organized into different categories, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and so on, each with its own grammatical function and syntactical role within a sentence.

    Furthermore, words can possess multiple meanings or nuances, and their interpretation may vary depending on the context in which they are used. Many words are also subject to change over time, as language evolves and adapts to societal, cultural, or technological developments.

    Overall, the word is an essential and powerful tool, allowing humans to express ideas, communicate complex thoughts, and understand one another. Its ability to convey meaning and facilitate effective communication makes it a fundamental element in human language and an integral part of our daily lives.

  2. To express in words.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for THE WORD

Etymology of THE WORD

The word "word" comes from the Old English word "word", which is thought to have derived from the Proto-Germanic word "wurdaz". Its origins can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "wer-" meaning "to speak" or "to say". As for the use of "the" before "word", "the" is an English definite article used to specify a noun.

Idioms with the word THE WORD

  • say the word The idiom "say the word" means to indicate willingness or readiness to do something if asked or instructed. It implies that one is waiting for a signal or command before taking action or providing assistance.
  • spread the word The idiomatic expression "spread the word" refers to the act of communicating or sharing information about something to a wider audience or group of people. It implies promoting, publicizing, or disseminating news, ideas, or messages to increase awareness and ensure the information reaches as many individuals as possible.
  • from the word go The idiom "from the word go" means right from the beginning, starting immediately, or from the very start of a situation or process. It suggests that something has been present or happening since the very first moment or stage of an activity.
  • mum's the word The idiom "mum's the word" means to keep quiet or remain silent about something, typically to maintain secrecy or confidentiality.
  • get the word To "get the word" is an idiom that means to be informed or to understand something, particularly when someone shares or communicates information with you. It implies becoming aware of a situation, news, or details that were previously unknown to you.
  • from the word go The idiom "from the word go" means right from the beginning, starting immediately, or from the very start of a situation or process. It suggests that something has been present or happening since the very first moment or stage of an activity.
  • mum’s the word The idiom "mum's the word" means to keep silent or not reveal a secret or confidential information. It implies that one should not speak about something or keep it confidential.
  • say/give the word The idiom "say/give the word" means to give the command or order to begin or take action. It is used when someone is asking for permission or approval to proceed with a plan or task. It implies that the person is ready and waiting for instructions or authorization to start.
  • suit the action to the word The idiom "suit the action to the word" means to match or align one's actions with one's words or promises. It emphasizes the importance of following through with actions that are consistent with what is said or promised. It suggests that words and actions should be in harmony for credibility and integrity.
  • give (someone) the word The idiom "give (someone) the word" means to inform or notify someone about a certain situation or to provide someone with a signal or sign to initiate a planned action. It involves passing important information or instructions to someone, typically to prompt them to take appropriate action.
  • know the meaning of the word When someone says "know the meaning of the word," it is an idiomatic expression used to emphasize that a person truly understands and embodies the concept or characteristic denoted by a particular word. It implies that the person possesses a deep understanding and practical experience, not just a theoretical knowledge or vague familiarity.
  • not know the meaning of the word The idiom "not know the meaning of the word" is used to describe someone who lacks a specific quality or characteristic usually associated with a particular word. It implies that the person has little or no understanding or experience of that word or the concept it represents. It can be used either literally or figuratively, depending on the context.
  • put the word about/around/out/round The idiom "put the word about/around/out/round" refers to spreading information or rumors among a group of people. It means to communicate or spread news, often by word of mouth, to make sure that a message or information reaches a wide audience.
  • from the word "go"
  • be not the word for it "Be not the word for it" is an idiom that means to be inadequate or not the appropriate term to describe a situation or feeling. It suggests that the word being used is not sufficient to capture the complexity or intensity of the experience being described.
  • What's the word? The idiom "What's the word?" is used to ask for information or news about a particular situation or topic. It is often used when someone is seeking the latest information or updates on something.