The spelling of the word "Decatur" is pronounced as /dɪˈkeɪtər/. This pronunciation is in line with the standard English phonetics, with the first syllable pronounced as "dih," the second syllable as "kay," and the third syllable as "tər." The word "Decatur" is the name of several places in the United States and is a common surname. As with many English words, the spelling and pronunciation of "Decatur" may vary depending on its region of use or context.
Decatur is a noun that refers to a city located in several states of the United States, most notably in the state of Illinois. It is named after Stephen Decatur, a renowned naval hero from the early 19th century.
In Illinois, Decatur is the largest city in Macon County and serves as its county seat. It is located in central Illinois, approximately 40 miles east of Springfield, the state capital. Decatur has a diverse economy with industries ranging from manufacturing and agriculture to healthcare and education. It has been historically known for its industrial significance and transportation infrastructure, as it sits at the junction of several major railway lines.
With a population exceeding 70,000, Decatur offers a range of amenities and services, including schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and recreational facilities. It is home to Millikin University, a private liberal arts college established in 1901.
The name "Decatur" is not exclusive to Illinois; there are other cities and towns across the United States that bear this name. These locations took their title from various sources, such as historical figures, local landmarks, or personal preferences of their founders. While sharing a name, each Decatur is distinct in its own context, characterized by its geographical location, cultural attributes, and unique features.
* 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 "Decatur" has its origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin phrase "decem angulos", which translates to "ten angles" or "ten corners". The term was used to describe a tent-shaped structure, specifically one used for military purposes.
"Decatur" became a surname in the United States due to its association with several notable figures, the most prominent being Stephen Decatur. Stephen Decatur was a U.S. Navy officer in the early 19th century who gained fame for his heroic actions during the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812. His name became widely known and admired, leading to the adoption of "Decatur" as a given name and surname.
Additionally, the city of Decatur in the state of Georgia, United States, was named in honor of Stephen Decatur.