How Do You Spell BABBITT?

Pronunciation: [bˈabɪt] (IPA)

Babbitt, a noun that refers to a person who is conformist, materialistic, and unimaginative, is spelled as /ˈbæbɪt/. In IPA phonetic transcription, the first syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound /æ/, which is the same sound as in the word "cat." The second syllable features the short /ɪ/ sound in "it." The double consonants "bb," which indicate a geminate consonant or double articulation, are pronounced with a slight pause in between them. This spelling reflects the pronunciation of the word and its origin from the surname of a character in Sinclair Lewis's novel.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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BABBITT Meaning and Definition

  1. Babbitt:

    Noun:

    1. A soft, white, and easily fusible alloy consisting primarily of tin, antimony, and copper, often used for bearings or other metal objects that require low friction.

    2. A person who is conformist, complacent, and conventional in their attitudes and behavior, often associated with middle-class values and a lack of individuality or independent thinking. The term originates from the character George F. Babbitt, created by American author Sinclair Lewis in his novel "Babbitt" (1922), and has since become a common descriptor for such individuals.

    3. An American English slang term used to refer to a police officer, particularly one who is perceived as unhelpful, corrupt, or excessive in their use of authority.

    Verb:

    1. To coat or treat a metal object with a layer of babbitt alloy, typically through a process called "babbitting," in order to reduce friction and improve its performance.

    2. To conform, adopt middle-class values, or exhibit conventional behavior, often implying a lack of originality or individuality.

    The term "babbitt" has evolved and expanded beyond its original metal alloy definition to encompass sociological and cultural meanings. Its usage may vary depending on the context but often implies a criticism of conformity or an inefficient and unyielding system or individual.

Common Misspellings for BABBITT

Etymology of BABBITT

The term "Babbitt" comes from the novel "Babbitt" written by Sinclair Lewis and published in 1922. The book portrays George F. Babbitt, a middle-aged real estate agent from the fictional city of Zenith. He represents the conformist, materialistic, and middle-class values of American society during the 1920s.

The character Babbitt became widely known as a representation of the average, conventional businessman who prioritizes material success and social conformity over individuality and artistic or intellectual pursuits. Over time, the term "Babbitt" has come to be used as a noun or adjective to describe someone who is a narrow-minded, conformist, or overly materialistic individual. It reflects a disdain for those who adhere to the prevailing social norms and values without questioning or challenging them.

Similar spelling words for BABBITT

Plural form of BABBITT is BABBITTS

Conjugate verb Babbitt

CONDITIONAL

I would babbitt
you would babbitt
he/she/it would babbitt
we would babbitt
they would babbitt

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be babbitting
you would be babbitting
he/she/it would be babbitting
we would be babbitting
they would be babbitting

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have babbitt
you would have babbitt
he/she/it would have babbitt
we would have babbitt
they would have babbitt

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been babbitting
you would have been babbitting
he/she/it would have been babbitting
we would have been babbitting
they would have been babbitting

FUTURE

I will babbitt
you will babbitt
he/she/it will babbitt
we will babbitt
they will babbitt

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be babbitting
you will be babbitting
he/she/it will be babbitting
we will be babbitting
they will be babbitting

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have babbitted
you will have babbitted
he/she/it will have babbitted
we will have babbitted
they will have babbitted

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been babbitting
you will have been babbitting
he/she/it will have been babbitting
we will have been babbitting
they will have been babbitting

IMPERATIVE

you babbitt
we let´s babbitt

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to babbitt

PAST

I babbitted
you babbitted
he/she/it babbitted
we babbitted
they babbitted

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was babbitting
you were babbitting
he/she/it was babbitting
we were babbitting
they were babbitting

PAST PARTICIPLE

babbitted

PAST PERFECT

I had babbitted
you had babbitted
he/she/it had babbitted
we had babbitted
they had babbitted

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been babbitting
you had been babbitting
he/she/it had been babbitting
we had been babbitting
they had been babbitting

PRESENT

I babbitt
you babbitt
he/she/it babbitts
we babbitt
they babbitt

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am babbitting
you are babbitting
he/she/it is babbitting
we are babbitting
they are babbitting

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

babbitting

PRESENT PERFECT

I have babbitted
you have babbitted
he/she/it has babbitted
we have babbitted
they have babbitted

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been babbitting
you have been babbitting
he/she/it has been babbitting
we have been babbitting
they have been babbitting

Infographic

Correct spelling for babbitt
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