The term "dog eared" refers to a book or a page that is folded or creased at the corner. The spelling of this word is "dɒɡ ɪəd", with the first syllable pronounced like the word "dog" and the second syllable pronounced like the word "aired". The "e" in "eared" is pronounced as "ɪə" which is a diphthong representing the sound of "i" and "ə". This spelling accurately represents the pronunciation of the word and makes it easier for English learners to learn and understand it.
The term "dog eared" refers to the condition of a book or document that has been repeatedly folded or bent over at the corners of its pages, resulting in a creased and worn appearance similar to the shape of a dog's ear. This term is often used metaphorically but can also describe physical objects other than books.
When applied to a book, "dog eared" describes the bending or folding of one or more pages, most commonly from frequent use to mark one's place in the text. This practice often results in the wrinkling or tearing of the pages, which can compromise their integrity over time. Dog eared pages are often seen as a sign of a well-read or well-loved book, indicative of the reader's engagement with the material.
Figuratively, this term can be used to describe a person or object that appears worn, tattered, or shabby due to extended use or neglect. For instance, someone may describe a worn-out notebook as "dog eared" if its cover is frayed and its pages are crumpled or wrinkled. Similarly, a dog eared photograph might be faded, creased, or torn from being frequently handled or displayed.
In summary, "dog eared" is a term used to depict the bending or folding of book pages, resulting in their creased and worn appearance. It can also be applied metaphorically to describe the worn or shabby condition of other objects or individuals.
The term "dog-eared" comes from the combination of the words "dog" and "ear". It is figuratively used to describe the condition of a book or document that has been folded over at the corner to mark a page. This action of folding the corner of a page to serve as a makeshift bookmark has been compared to the way a dog's ear might appear when it is folded or bent.