How Do You Spell BALK?

Pronunciation: [bˈɔːlk] (IPA)

The word "balk" is spelled with the letters b-a-l-k. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /bɔːk/ or /bɑːk/. The first vowel sound is represented by the letter 'a' and has a long pronunciation. The consonant sounds 'b' and 'k' are pronounced with a clear stop and release of air. 'L' in this word is pronounced with velarization, which means that the back of the tongue touches the soft palate. This results in a slight 'w' sound after the 'l'.

BALK Meaning and Definition

  1. Balk is a verb that refers to the act of hesitating or refusing to follow through with an action or intention, usually as a result of fear, uncertainty, or opposition. It suggests a sudden interruption or disruption due to a psychological or emotional blockage. Balk can also be used to describe an animal, particularly a horse, refusing to move forward or respond to commands.

    In a figurative sense, balk often implies an obstruction or hindrance that prevents progress or success. It can refer to a sudden reluctance or objection to proceed with a plan or task due to unforeseen difficulties, setbacks, or doubts. This term frequently connotes a sense of frustration or disappointment.

    Furthermore, balk can also be utilized as a noun, referring to an instance or occurrence of hesitation or refusal. It may denote a physical barrier or obstacle that hampers progress or impedes movement, causing interference or interruption.

    Overall, balk depicts a situation in which something or someone resists, hesitates, or breaks down, hindering the development, execution, or achievement of a goal or objective. Whether it represents an individual's inner hesitation or external resistance, it embodies the notion of an interruption or obstruction that prohibits forward motion or completion.

  2. • To disappoint; to frustrate; to refuse.
    • A ridge of unploughed land; a beam; sudden disappointment.

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

Top Common Misspellings for BALK *

* 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 BALK

Etymology of BALK

The word "balk" has an interesting etymology. Its origin can be traced back to the Old English word "balca", which referred to a ridge or a beam. This Old English term is directly derived from the Old Norse word "balkr", having the same meaning. "Balkr" in turn can be traced further back to the Proto-Germanic word "balkan", which meant beam or planking. The term eventually made its way into Middle English as "balke", still maintaining its original meaning. Over time, the word "balk" acquired additional connotations, such as a barrier or hindrance, leading to its modern usage in phrases like "balk at" or "balking", indicating resistance or unwillingness.

Idioms with the word BALK

  • balk at sth The idiom "balk at something" means to hesitate or refuse to do a particular action or task due to fear, uncertainty, or reluctance. It often implies a resistance or unwillingness to proceed with an action or decision.
  • balk at The idiom "balk at" means to hesitate or refuse to do something, often due to fear, uncertainty, or objection. It implies a resistance to proceed or a reluctance to accept a particular action or idea.
  • balk at the idea (of something) The idiom "balk at the idea (of something)" means to hesitate, be resistant or unwilling to accept or consider a particular idea, proposal, or plan. It signifies a strong or immediate objection or reluctance towards something.
  • balk at something The idiom "balk at something" means to hesitate or refuse to do something, often as a result of feeling reluctant, resistant, or apprehensive about it. It can also refer to being unwilling to accept or comply with a specific idea, proposal, or situation.

Similar spelling words for BALK

Plural form of BALK is BALKS

Conjugate verb Balk

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have balked
you would have balked
he/she/it would have balked
we would have balked
they would have balked
I would have balk
you would have balk
he/she/it would have balk
we would have balk
they would have balk

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

you balk
we let´s balk

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to balk

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

balked

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I balk
you balk
he/she/it balks
we balk
they balk

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

balking

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it balk

SIMPLE PAST

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

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