How Do You Spell BULLY?

Pronunciation: [bˈʊlɪ] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "bully" may seem as straightforward as its meaning, but its phonetic transcription shows there's more to it than meets the eye. The first syllable sounds like "buh" with a very short "u" sound, followed by the "l" sound as in "able." The second syllable is pronounced with a long "ee" sound as in "beet." The ending "y" sounds like "ee" too. Altogether, it's pronounced "BUHL-ee." Despite its difficult spelling, we must stand up to bullying and support victims.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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BULLY Meaning and Definition

  1. Bully is a noun that refers to a person who habitually uses physical or psychological aggression to assert dominance or intimidate others, particularly those perceived as weaker or vulnerable. It implies an individual who seeks power, control, or satisfaction by exerting force or manipulating others through fear. Bullying behavior can take various forms, including verbal threats, insults, mocking, spreading rumors, or even physical abuse.

    As a verb, bully describes the act of engaging in bullying behavior. It entails intentionally and repeatedly using force, aggression, or intimidation tactics towards another person or group. Bullying can occur in a variety of settings, such as schools, workplaces, social circles, or online platforms, and can have severe emotional, mental, and physical consequences for the victims.

    Bullying is widely considered to be a negative and harmful behavior that infringes upon the rights and well-being of others. Efforts have been made across societies to combat bullying, including the implementation of anti-bullying policies, awareness campaigns, and support systems aimed at empowering victims and fostering a kinder, more inclusive environment. Encouraging empathy, understanding, and standing up against bullying are key steps in creating a society that rejects such behavior and promotes respect for all individuals.

  2. • A quarrelsome cowardly fellow; one who blusters and threatens.
    • To insult with noise; to overawe by threats.

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

Top Common Misspellings for BULLY *

* 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 BULLY

Etymology of BULLY

The word "bully" originated in the 16th century and its etymology can be traced back to the Dutch word "boele", which means "lover" or "bro". However, in the 17th century, the meaning of the word shifted to describe someone who was a good friend or comrade. Eventually, by the 18th century, "bully" began to be used to refer to someone who habitually intimidated or mistreated others. The modern understanding of a bully as a person who harasses or oppresses weaker individuals emerged in the 19th century.

Idioms with the word BULLY

  • bully for sb The idiom "bully for sb" is an expression used to express approval or admiration for someone's achievement, success, or good fortune. It is typically used sarcastically or ironically to imply that one does not actually care about the person's accomplishment or that it is not as impressive as they may think.
  • Bully for you! The idiom "Bully for you!" is an expression used to sarcastically or ironically congratulate someone on their achievement or success. It implies a lack of genuine enthusiasm or sincerity in the congratulations given.
  • a bully pulpit The idiom "a bully pulpit" refers to a position or platform that provides someone with a powerful and influential public platform to promote their views, agenda, or ideas. It originally comes from former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt's reference to the White House as a "bully pulpit," using the word "bully" in its old meaning, denoting something as superb or excellent. Thus, a bully pulpit signifies a position where one can express their opinions and exercise their power to influence and persuade others.
  • bully sm into sth The idiom "bully someone into something" means to forcefully or aggressively pressure someone into doing or accepting something against their will. It implies using intimidation, manipulation, or threats to make someone comply or agree with a particular course of action.
  • bully for you, etc. The idiomatic expression "bully for you, etc." is used to express sarcastic or begrudging praise towards someone's achievement or good fortune. It often signifies a lack of genuine enthusiasm or support.
  • big bully The idiom "big bully" refers to a person who is intimidating, overbearing, and uses their power or strength to intimidate or harm others. It often implies someone who takes advantage of their size, strength, or influence to assert dominance or control over others.
  • bully pulpit The idiom "bully pulpit" refers to a position of power or authority, particularly that of a public figure, from which they can effectively and persuasively influence and advocate for their ideas or beliefs.
  • bully (one) into (something) The idiom "bully (one) into (something)" refers to the act of forcefully or aggressively pressuring or intimidating someone into doing something they may not want to do. It suggests that the person is coerced or manipulated through intimidation or threats.
  • bully someone into something The idiom "bully someone into something" refers to the act of intimidating, pressurizing, or coercing someone to do or agree to something through force, threats, or aggressive behavior. It involves using aggression or dominance to make someone comply with one's demands or wishes.
  • bully for —! The idiom "bully for —!" is an expression used to express sarcastic enthusiasm or ironic congratulations towards someone or something. It is often used when someone achieves something or brags about an accomplishment that is seen as unimpressive or not deserving of praise.
  • bully for somebody! The idiom "bully for somebody!" is an enthusiastic expression used to convey congratulations or approval for someone's accomplishments or success. It is a way of expressing admiration or approval towards someone's achievements or good fortune.
  • bully into The idiom "bully into" means to forcefully or aggressively pressure or intimidate someone into doing something they may not want to do. It is often used to describe situations where someone uses their power or authority to coerce or dominate others.
  • a bully is always a coward The idiom "a bully is always a coward" suggests that those who engage in bullying behavior are often driven by fear, weakness, or insecurity. It implies that their aggressive actions and intimidation tactics are a way to compensate for their own feelings of vulnerability.
  • bully is always a coward The idiom "bully is always a coward" means that individuals who engage in aggressive, intimidating, or bullying behavior are often insecure, weak, or lacking in confidence deep down. It implies that bullies use their actions to compensate for their own personal weaknesses or to exert power over others due to their own fears and insecurities.

Similar spelling words for BULLY

Plural form of BULLY is BULLIES

Conjugate verb Bully

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have bullied
you would have bullied
he/she/it would have bullied
we would have bullied
they would have bullied
I would have bully
you would have bully
he/she/it would have bully
we would have bully
they would have bully

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

you bully
we let´s bully

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to bully

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

bullied

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I bully
you bully
he/she/it bullies
we bully
they bully

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

bullying

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it bully

SIMPLE PAST

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

Infographic

Correct spelling for bully
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