How Do You Spell ALAS?

Pronunciation: [ɐlˈas] (IPA)

The word "alas" is often used to express regret or sorrow. It is spelled phonemically as /əˈlæs/ in IPA transcription. The first syllable, "a," is pronounced as the short "uh" sound, while the second syllable, "las," is pronounced with a short "a" as in "cat." The letter "s" at the end is silent, and there is no vowel sound following it. Understanding the correct pronunciation of "alas" is important for effective communication and conveying the intended tone in conversation or writing.

ALAS Meaning and Definition

  1. Alas is an adverb that is used to express sorrow, regret, or disappointment. It is typically used to convey a sense of sadness or dismay about an unfortunate situation or outcome.

    Derived from the Middle English word "alas," which is a variant of the Old English "allas" meaning “oh, woe,” it is a term that has been employed for centuries to express deep despair or unhappiness. The word is versatile, as it can be used on its own to display an exclamation of grief, or it can be integrated into longer sentences to articulate a specific melancholic sentiment.

    "Alas" often functions as a poetic or archaic term, providing an emotional tone to a statement. It is commonly employed in literature, artworks, or dramatic performances to evoke a feeling of sadness or a sense of loss. Furthermore, this expression can also be used in a colloquial or conversational context to convey empathy towards someone else's misfortune or to mourn an unwanted turn of events.

    Overall, "alas" serves as a poignant expression that captures a range of negative emotions, including sorrow, regret, or disappointment. Its usage showcases an individual's empathy or personal reaction to a distressing situation, offering a literary or emotional depth to a phrase or sentence.

  2. An exclamation of sorrow or pity.

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

Top Common Misspellings for ALAS *

* 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 ALAS

Etymology of ALAS

The word "alas" has its roots in both Old English and Ancient Greek.

In Old English, "alas" was written as "allas" or "a lās". It is derived from the Old English phrase "ā lās", meaning "oh (or) and alas". This phrase was a combination of the interjection "ā" which was used to express sorrow or regret, and "lās" which meant "alas" or "woe". Over time, the phrase was contracted and eventually became the single word "alas".

Furthermore, "alas" can also be traced back to the Ancient Greek word "alas", meaning "woe" or "unhappiness". This Greek term was widely used in ancient literature and gradually made its way into the English language.

Similar spelling words for ALAS

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