How Do You Spell ELEVENTH HOUR?

Pronunciation: [ɪlˈɛvənθ ˈa͡ʊ͡ə] (IPA)

The phrase "eleventh hour" refers to a situation that occurs at the last moment. Interestingly, the spelling of the word "eleventh" seems peculiar when compared to other ordinal numbers. The pronunciation of this term is /ɪˈlɛvənθ/, with the emphasis on the second syllable. The silent "nth" at the end of the word highlights the unusual spelling of "eleventh". While some may find it challenging to spell this phrase correctly, the term remains widely used in everyday life.

ELEVENTH HOUR Meaning and Definition

1. The term "eleventh hour" refers to the final moments or very last minute before a deadline or a critical event is about to occur. Derived from ancient Judeo-Christian teachings, the phrase originates from the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard in the New Testament, specifically Matthew 20:1-16. In the parable, a landowner hires workers throughout the day, and even at the "eleventh hour" (literally the last hour before sundown), he recruits more laborers.

   This biblical reference subsequently entered the English language as a metaphorical expression, conveying the idea of an impending deadline or imminent completion of an event. Today, the term "eleventh hour" is widely used in various contexts, ranging from everyday conversations to formal writing.

   The phrase often implies a sense of urgency, suggesting that time is running out or that someone is attempting to complete a task or make a decision at the latest possible moment. It can also connote the element of surprise, as actions or plans executed at the eleventh hour may catch others off guard. The underlying message is that actions or decisions made in this final hour might be rushed or suboptimal due to time constraints. Therefore, the term is sometimes used to encourage prompt action or early preparation, underscoring the importance of being proactive rather than waiting until the last moment.

Common Misspellings for ELEVENTH HOUR

• wleventh hour
• sleventh hour
• dleventh hour
• rleventh hour
• 4leventh hour
• 3leventh hour
• ekeventh hour
• epeventh hour
• eoeventh hour
• elwventh hour
• elsventh hour
• eldventh hour
• elrventh hour
• el4venth hour
• el3venth hour
• elecenth hour
• elebenth hour
• elegenth hour
• elefenth hour
• elevwnth hour

Etymology of ELEVENTH HOUR

The word "eleventh hour" originates from the Bible, specifically from the New Testament. It can be traced back to the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, a story told by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew (20:1-16). In this parable, a landowner hires workers throughout the day to work in his vineyard. Some start early in the morning, while others are hired at different times, including the eleventh hour, which refers to the last hour before the workday ends.

The phrase "eleventh hour" gained a symbolic meaning beyond its literal sense of time. It began to represent a crucial and urgent moment, the final opportunity or deadline before it becomes too late. It is often used to emphasize the need for immediate action or the sense of impending doom.

Idioms with the word ELEVENTH HOUR

• at the eleventh hour The idiom "at the eleventh hour" refers to something that happens or is done right before a deadline or a crucial moment, often implying that there was very little time left and it was almost too late.
• the eleventh hour The idiom "the eleventh hour" refers to the last possible moment or the final opportunity to take action before it is too late. It implies that time is running out, and a decision or solution must be made urgently.
• eleventh hour The idiom "eleventh hour" refers to the last possible moment or just before something crucial or urgent is about to take place. It means that there is very little time left to act or make a decision.