How Do You Spell DEAF?

Pronunciation: [dˈɛf] (IPA)

The word "deaf" is spelled with four letters and is pronounced [dɛf], where the initial "d" is pronounced as in "dog" and the "ea" is pronounced as in "dead". The final "f" is pronounced as in "fife". The spelling of "deaf" comes from the Old English word "deaf" which meant "lacking or deficient in hearing". Proper spelling of this word is important as it is associated with the identity and experiences of people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

Meaning and Definition
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Etymology
Idioms
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DEAF Meaning and Definition

  1. Deaf is an adjective that describes a physical condition or impairment related to the inability to hear. It refers to individuals who have a complete or near-total loss of hearing, making it difficult or impossible for them to comprehend spoken language or sounds. Deafness can be congenital, meaning individuals are born with the condition, or it can be acquired later in life due to a variety of factors, such as illness, injury, or exposure to loud noises.

    Being deaf poses significant challenges in communication, as it affects the ability to perceive auditory information. Deaf individuals may rely on alternative modes of communication, such as sign language or written language, to interact with others. They may also use assistive technologies like hearing aids or cochlear implants to enhance their hearing abilities.

    It is important to note that being deaf is not synonymous with being unable to communicate or lacking intelligence. Deaf individuals can lead fulfilling lives, engage in meaningful relationships, and pursue various careers with the appropriate support and accommodations.

    In a broader context, the term "deaf" can also be used metaphorically to describe the lack of response or understanding in a non-physical sense. For example, "deaf to criticism" means being unwilling or unable to accept or acknowledge criticism.

  2. Unable to hear; hearing indistinctly, hard of hearing.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. Without the sense of hearing; with imperfect hearing; inattentive; unwilling to hear.

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

Top Common Misspellings for DEAF *

* 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 DEAF

Etymology of DEAF

The word "deaf" can be traced back to the Old English term "deaf", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "daubaz". This Proto-Germanic word likely originated from the Proto-Indo-European root word *dʰeubʰ-, meaning "to dim, dull, or deaf". This root word also gave rise to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as "døv" in Danish and Norwegian, "taub" in German, and "doof" in Dutch. The term "deaf" has retained its meaning and pronunciation throughout the development of the English language, with slight variations in spelling over time.

Idioms with the word DEAF

  • stone deaf The idiom "stone deaf" refers to someone who is completely incapable of hearing or has a severe hearing loss, often used to describe individuals who cannot hear anything at all.
  • there's none so deaf as those who will not hear The idiom "there's none so deaf as those who will not hear" means that some people are unwilling to listen or acknowledge information or advice, no matter how clearly it is presented to them. It implies that these individuals are purposely ignorant and resistant to understanding and accepting different perspectives or viewpoints.
  • falls on deaf ears The idiom "falls on deaf ears" means that someone's words, pleas, or advice are ignored, not taken into consideration, or not understood by others. It implies that the intended audience shows no interest or is indifferent, as if they were unable to hear the message.
  • turn a deaf ear The idiom "turn a deaf ear" means to ignore or refuse to listen to something or someone, often intentionally disregarding their request, advice, or plea. It implies a willful decision to ignore or not pay attention to something that one does not want to hear or acknowledge.
  • be as deaf as a post The idiom "be as deaf as a post" means to be completely or extremely deaf, not being able to hear even the slightest sound. It implies that someone has severe difficulty or inability to hear, likening them to a post that has no capability to perceive sound.
  • fall on deaf ears The idiom "fall on deaf ears" means that something, such as advice, a plea, or a request, is being ignored or not taken seriously by someone. It is said when the recipient of communication is unwilling or unable to understand or acknowledge the message being conveyed.
  • dialogue of the deaf The idiom "dialogue of the deaf" refers to a situation where two or more people engage in a conversation but refuse to listen to or understand each other's viewpoint. It implies that communication is ineffective or meaningless, as each party is only focused on expressing their own opinions or beliefs without any genuine attempt to comprehend the other person's ideas.
  • turn a deaf ear (to someone or something) The idiom "turn a deaf ear (to someone or something)" means to ignore or refuse to listen to someone or something, usually deliberately. It implies a deliberate act of disregarding or not paying attention to a person or a certain matter.
  • turn a deaf ear (to sm or sth) The idiom "turn a deaf ear (to someone or something)" means to deliberately ignore or refuse to listen to someone or something. It implies a decision to disregard or not acknowledge what is being said or suggested.
  • deaf and dumb The idiom "deaf and dumb" is considered outdated and offensive. It refers to a person who is unable to hear or speak. However, it is important to note that people who are unable to speak or hear should not be labeled in this manner. The term "deaf and mute" is sometimes used as a less offensive alternative, although it is still not preferred. Instead, it is recommended to use person-first language and say "deaf" or "hard of hearing" to refer to individuals with hearing impairment and "nonverbal" for individuals who cannot speak.
  • there's none so deaf as those that will not hear The idiom "there's none so deaf as those that will not hear" means that some people choose not to listen or understand, even when the information or advice is being repeatedly presented to them. It implies that such people are purposely ignoring or refusing to acknowledge something, demonstrating a willful ignorance.
  • turn a deaf ear (to somebody/something) The idiom "turn a deaf ear (to somebody/something)" means to purposefully ignore or refuse to listen to someone or something, typically by ignoring their requests, advice, or pleas. It implies a deliberate act of disregarding or not paying attention to a person or situation.
  • (as) deaf as a post The idiom "(as) deaf as a post" means someone who is completely unable to hear or has very poor hearing. The comparison with a post, which is an inanimate object incapable of hearing, emphasizes the severity of the deafness.
  • deaf as an adder The idiom "deaf as an adder" is typically used to describe someone who appears to be completely unresponsive or uninterested in what others are saying. It implies that the person is selectively ignoring or not acknowledging any form of communication or conversation, much like an adder (a type of venomous snake) would be completely unaffected by any auditory stimuli.
  • preach to deaf ears The idiom "preach to deaf ears" refers to a situation where someone is attempting to convince or persuade others who are either completely unwilling or unable to listen, understand, or be influenced by what they are saying. It implies a futile effort in trying to communicate or convey a message to someone who is unresponsive or uninterested.
  • deaf as an adder (or a post) The idiom "deaf as an adder" or "deaf as a post" is used to describe someone who is completely unresponsive to sound or stubbornly ignores what others are saying. It implies that the person is uninterested or unwilling to listen, similar to a snake (adder) or a wooden post that cannot hear anything.
  • turn a deaf ear to The idiom "turn a deaf ear to" means to intentionally ignore or disregard someone's request, plea, or advice, usually by pretending not to hear it or by refusing to listen to it.
  • sth falls on deaf ears The idiom "something falls on deaf ears" means that someone's words or advice are ignored or not heeded by the person or people they are intended for. It implies that despite efforts to communicate or persuade, the intended audience remains indifferent or unresponsive.
  • turn a deaf ear to sth The idiom "turn a deaf ear to something" means to purposefully refuse to listen or pay attention to something, typically in order to ignore it or avoid taking action. It implies a deliberate act of disregarding or dismissing a request, advice, or information.
  • the deaf
  • turn a deaf ˈear (to something)
  • are you deaf? The idiom "are you deaf?" is used as a rhetorical question to express disbelief or frustration with someone who has not heard or understood something that was clearly said or explained.
  • *deaf as a post The idiom "deaf as a post" is used to describe someone who is completely unable to hear or has a significant hearing impairment. It implies that the person's hearing is so poor that they are as deaf as an inanimate object like a post, which obviously cannot hear at all.

Similar spelling words for DEAF

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