The correct spelling of the phrase "become blind" is /bɪˈkʌm blaɪnd/. The "e" in "become" is pronounced as a short "e" sound, while "blind" is pronounced with a long "i" sound. The "e" in "blind" is silent. When pronouncing the phrase, the stress is on the first syllable of "become." A person may become blind due to various factors, including disease, injury, or hereditary conditions. Regular eye exams can help detect potential vision problems early on.
"Become blind" refers to the process or condition of losing sight or the ability to see. It involves the gradual or sudden impairment of visual perception, resulting in a complete or partial loss of vision. This term can be used both in a literal sense relating to physical vision and metaphorically to describe a lack of awareness or understanding.
In a literal sense, becoming blind can occur due to various factors such as congenital conditions, diseases, infections, injuries, or aging. It entails the impairment of the eye's ability to transmit, focus, or process visual information, resulting in darkness or an inability to perceive objects, colors, shapes, or light. This loss of visual capacity significantly impacts an individual's daily functioning, independence, and quality of life, necessitating adjustments to adapt to a world primarily experienced through other senses.
Figuratively, becoming blind can be employed to describe an individual's lack of perception, understanding, or acknowledgement of something. This usage emphasizes a person's refusal or inability to perceive the truth, facts, or reality of a situation, often due to bias, denial, or ignorance. It signifies an individual's unwillingness to see beyond their preconceived notions or biases, hindering their ability to comprehend or appreciate different perspectives.
In summary, "become blind" encompasses both the literal physical impairment of vision and the metaphorical notion of lacking awareness or understanding. It conveys the loss of sight or perception in various contexts, highlighting the impact on individuals' physical and cognitive experiences.
The etymology of the phrase "become blind" can be broken down as follows:
1. "Become": The word "become" originated from the Old English word "becuman", which meant "to come to be". It combines the root "be-" (meaning "around" or "thoroughly") with the verb "cuman" (meaning "come").
2. "Blind": The word "blind" incorporates the Old English word "blind", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "blinda". This term likely originated from the Proto-Indo-European root "*bʰlend-", meaning "to dazzle, blind".
So, when combined, "become blind" signifies the act of transitioning into a state of blindness.