How Do You Spell DOLE?

Pronunciation: [dˈə͡ʊl] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "dole" [doʊl] may be confusing to some because the "e" at the end of the word is not pronounced. However, this silent "e" is actually very important for determining the pronunciation of the "o". It changes the "o" from being short and pronounced like "ah" as in "doll" [dɑl], to being long and pronounced like "oh" as in "hole" [hoʊl]. So, next time you see the word "dole", remember that the silent "e" is actually doing a lot of work!

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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DOLE Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "dole" can be defined as a noun and a verb, each with distinct meanings. As a noun, "dole" refers to a welfare system or program established by a government or institution to provide financial assistance or material support to those individuals who are unemployed, disabled, or otherwise in need. This provision aims to assist individuals during challenging circumstances and help them meet their basic needs such as food, housing, and medical care.

    As a verb, "dole" refers to the act of distributing, giving out, or dispensing something in a charitable or compassionate manner. It can involve providing food or money to those in need, often done by individuals, charities, or community organizations. Furthermore, the term is often associated with the dispensation of small portions or limited quantities of something, such as doling out advice, favors, or punishments in a measured way.

    "Dole" can also be used in a figurative sense, representing a state of sadness, grief, or melancholy. In this context, it refers to a deep emotional suffering or sadness that one may experience due to the loss of a loved one, a personal setback, or a general feeling of despair. It implies a sense of enduring hardship and can evoke sympathy or compassion from others.

    Overall, "dole" encapsulates various meanings, ranging from the provision of assistance and aid to the experience of suffering and sadness.

  2. • That which is dealt or distributed; a part, share, or portion of anything; money or provisions given in charity.
    • To distribute grudgingly and in small portions.
    • Slips of pasture left between ploughed lands; a boundary mark.

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

Common Misspellings for DOLE

Etymology of DOLE

The word "dole" has an interesting etymology. It can be traced back to the Old English word "dāl", which means "portion" or "division". This Old English word is closely related to the Old Norse word "deild", meaning "distribution" or "part", as well as the German word "teil", meaning "part" or "share".

Over time, the word "dole" evolved to refer specifically to the portion or share of something that is allotted to someone, especially in terms of charitable distribution, such as the distribution of food or money to the needy. This sense is derived from the idea of dividing or sharing resources.

Additionally, the word "dole" is also associated with a sense of sadness or melancholy. This usage originated in the mid-18th century and is believed to be derived from the phrase "on the dole", which referred to being unemployed and receiving government assistance.

Idioms with the word DOLE

  • on the dole The idiom "on the dole" refers to being dependent on government welfare or unemployment benefits for financial support. It typically implies that a person is receiving assistance without actively seeking or engaging in work or self-sufficiency.
  • dole sth out The idiom "dole sth out" means to distribute or give out something in limited quantities or portions. It often implies that the distribution is done in a controlled or sparing manner.
  • dole out The idiom "dole out" means to distribute or give out something, often in small quantities or portions.
  • dole something out The idiom "dole something out" means to distribute or give out something, often in a calculated or controlled manner. It implies that the person distributing has control over the amount or frequency with which they dispense something. It can be used in various contexts, such as distributing resources, favors, responsibilities, or punishment.
  • go on the dole The idiom "go on the dole" refers to the act of seeking or receiving government assistance or welfare benefits, typically unemployment benefits, due to a lack of employment or financial resources. It often implies relying on public support or living off government aid for a prolonged period of time.
  • be on the dole The idiom "be on the dole" refers to a person receiving regular financial support or welfare benefits from the government, typically due to being unemployed or unable to find work. It implies dependence on such assistance for sustenance or livelihood.

Similar spelling words for DOLE

Plural form of DOLE is DOLES

Conjugate verb Dole

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have doled
you would have doled
he/she/it would have doled
we would have doled
they would have doled
I would have dole
you would have dole
he/she/it would have dole
we would have dole
they would have dole

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

you dole
we let´s dole

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to dole

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

doled

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I dole
you dole
he/she/it doles
we dole
they dole

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

doling

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it dole

SIMPLE PAST

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

Infographic

Correct spelling for dole
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