How Do You Spell DROUTH?

Pronunciation: [dɹˈa͡ʊθ] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "drouth" may seem odd to some, but it is a legitimate alternative to the more commonly used "drought." The IPA phonetic transcription for "drouth" is /draʊθ/. The "ou" represents the "ow" sound, which is a diphthong that combines "ow" as in "now" and "oo" as in "shoe." The "th" at the end is pronounced as a voiceless dental fricative, as in "bath" or "thin." So, despite its unusual spelling, the pronunciation of "drouth" is straightforward.

DROUTH Meaning and Definition

1. Drouth is a noun that refers to a state of prolonged dryness, aridity, or lack of rainfall. It is a term commonly used in Scottish and archaic English dialects to describe a period of drought. The word originated from the Middle English "drouth" or "droughte", which ultimately stemmed from the Old English "drugoth", meaning dryness or draught.

   Drouth often characterizes a condition where water sources, such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, are significantly depleted due to an extended absence of precipitation. It implies a scarcity of water, which can have severe consequences for ecosystems, agriculture, and human settlements. During a drouth, vegetation may wither and die, soil may become desiccated, and famine may ensue if crops fail.

   Drouth can also carry figurative connotations, where it symbolizes a lack of something essential or a period of hardship. For instance, a person going through an emotional or creative drought may be said to experience a drouth. The term underscores a profound absence or deprivation that often requires significant effort to overcome.

   In conclusion, drouth is a term used primarily in Scottish and archaic English dialects to describe a prolonged period of dryness or lack of rainfall. Whether referring to ecological conditions or figurative circumstances, drouth carries the notion of scarcity, aridity, and deprivation.

2. Dry weather; thirst; another spelling of drought.

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

Common Misspellings for DROUTH

• srouth
• xrouth
• crouth
• rrouth
• erouth
• deouth
• ddouth
• dfouth
• dtouth
• d5outh
• d4outh
• driuth
• drkuth
• drluth
• drputh
• dr0uth
• dr9uth
• droyth
• drohth

Etymology of DROUTH

The word "drouth" is derived from the Middle English word "droughte" which originally came from Old English "drugotha". Its ultimate origin can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "druxtaz". From there, it evolved into various forms in other Germanic languages such as Old High German "trucchida" and Old Norse "driukþr". The word "drouth" entered Middle English around the 13th century and has been used to refer to a prolonged period of dryness or thirst ever since.

Similar spelling words for DROUTH

• drought,
• truth,
• trout,
• broth,
• froth.

Plural form of DROUTH is DROUTHS