The word domestic is spelled as /dəˈmɛstɪk/ in IPA transcription. In this word, the first syllable is pronounced as "duh" with a schwa vowel sound, followed by a "meh" sound for the second syllable. The stress falls on the second syllable, which is common in many English words. The last syllable is pronounced as "stik," with a short "i" sound and a silent "e." The word domestic refers to things that are related to the home or household, such as domestic chores, domestic animals, or domestic appliances.
The term "domestic," when used as an adjective, refers to something or someone that is related to or connected with a person's home or one's own country. It describes things that occur within the boundaries of a household, nation, or internal affairs of a country.
One primary application of the word "domestic" is when referring to household activities or affairs. In this context, it encompasses tasks or situations that occur within the home, such as cleaning, cooking, or taking care of children. It also refers to animals that are kept as pets or livestock within one's residence.
Furthermore, "domestic" can also describe policies, issues, or matters related to a particular nation or country. For instance, domestic politics refers to political activities and events within a specific country, distinct from international affairs. Likewise, domestic trade refers to commercial transactions conducted within the borders of a nation, excluding foreign trade.
In a legal context, "domestic" can pertain to issues concerning family relations, marriage, or personal matters within a household, distinct from matters that are handled by the criminal justice system.
Overall, when used as an adjective, "domestic" signifies anything associated with a person's home, nation, or living environment—be it mundane household tasks, national matters, or legal affairs pertaining to family or personal life.
• Pert. to one's home or family; remaining much at home; private; tame; not wild; not foreign.
• A servant living in a family.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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 "domestic" comes from the Latin word "domesticus", which derives from the noun "domus" meaning "house" or "home". In Ancient Rome, "domesticus" referred to something or someone belonging to a household, such as a slave or servant. Over time, the meaning of "domestic" expanded to include anything related to the home or household, leading to its current usage in terms of the national or personal sphere.