The word "derailed" is spelled with two syllables and six letters. The first syllable is "de-", which is pronounced as "dɪ". The second syllable is "-railed", which is pronounced as "reɪld". The vowel sound in the first syllable is short "i" and the vowel sound in the second syllable is a diphthong "ei". The letter "r" is pronounced with a retroflex sound in the second syllable. Overall, the IPA transcription for "derailed" is /dɪˈreɪld/.
Derailed is an adjective that refers to a situation, plan, or activity that has veered off course or deviated from its intended path. The term originated from the literal meaning of a train coming off its tracks or derailing, which results in the train losing its intended direction and potentially causing damage or hindrance.
In a figurative sense, when something is described as derailed, it typically implies a disruption, setback, or failure in the progress or execution of a particular endeavor. This could occur as a result of various factors such as unforeseen circumstances, poor decision-making, lack of coordination, or external influences. In any case, being derailed often brings about a sense of disarray, confusion, or difficulty in achieving the originally intended outcome.
Furthermore, the term derailed can also describe an individual's state of mind or behavior, suggesting a loss of focus, self-control, or rationality. It implies being consumed by emotions or distractions that divert one's attention and hinder their ability to function effectively or make reasonable decisions.
Overall, derailed signifies a deviation from the intended course, be it in a physical, metaphorical, or psychological sense. It encompasses the notion of going astray, losing direction, or being thrown off balance, ultimately necessitating corrective measures or efforts to get back on track.
* 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 "derailed" originates from the combination of two Old French words. "De-", meaning "from" or "off", and "raille", which referred to the track or path. When combined, they gave rise to the Old French word "derailler", meaning "to go off the track". Eventually, this word was borrowed into English, where it became "derail" in the 19th century. The noun form, "derailment", also emerged around the same time to describe the act or instance of going off the track, usually referring to train accidents.