The word "bevy" is spelled with a silent "e" at the end, which means that the vowel "e" in the middle is pronounced as a long "e" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription for "bevy" is /ˈbɛvi/. This represents the two syllables of the word, with the stress on the first syllable. The "b" sound is followed by the short "e" sound, then the "v" sound, and finally the long "e" sound. "Bevy" is often used to refer to a group of birds or a large group of people.
A bevy is a noun that refers to a collection or group of similar things or people, especially when they are gathered together in a cheerful or attractive way. The term is often used to describe a large number or gathering of a particular kind of animals, such as a bevy of swans or a bevy of quails. In this context, it emphasizes the beauty or elegance of the group, as well as the close proximity or synchronized movements of its members.
Additionally, the term can also be used to describe a group of people, particularly women, who are considered to be fashionable, attractive, or charming. In this sense, a bevy often carries a connotation of youthfulness and vitality, suggesting that the individuals are gathered together for socializing, enjoyment, or some other pleasurable purpose. For instance, one might refer to a bevy of models, a bevy of bridesmaids, or a bevy of actresses, indicating a group of in-demand and aesthetically appealing women.
Overall, the word "bevy" conveys a sense of abundance, elegance, and attractiveness when describing a collection of similar things or people, and often implies a gathering that is visually compelling or socially engaging.
A flock of birds; a company; a number of young women.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word "bevy" has its origins in Old French, where it was spelled "bevée" or "bevee". This term was derived from the Old French verb "bever", meaning "to drink". Originally, "bevy" referred to a group of people gathered for drinking or banqueting. Over time, the meaning shifted to denote a flock of birds, specifically quail or larks. Eventually, the word broadened its sense to encompass any large group or collection of things, including people, animals, or objects.