How Do You Spell EM?

Pronunciation: [ˈɛm] (IPA)

The word "em" is a two-letter word that is often used as an abbreviation in printing to represent the width of the letter "M". Its spelling is quite simple and consists of only a single vowel (e) and a single consonant (m). The IPA transcription for "em" is /ɛm/ where the first symbol represents the short "e" sound and the second symbol represents the "m" sound. Despite being a small and seemingly insignificant word, "em" plays an important role in typography and typesetting.

EM Meaning and Definition

  1. Em is a noun that serves as an abbreviation for several different terms and concepts.

    1. Electronic Mail: Em refers to electronic mail, also known as email. It is a digital means of sending and receiving messages between users over the internet or computer networks.

    2. Em Dash: In punctuation, an em dash (—) is a longer dash that can be used to indicate a break or interruption in a sentence. It is approximately the width of the letter "m" in a given font, hence the name "em" dash.

    3. Typography: In typography, an em is a unit of measurement that is typically relative to the current font size. The em is equal to the width of the uppercase letter "M" in a given font. It is commonly used for specifying the size of fonts and other elements in graphic design and typesetting.

    4. Mandarin Chinese: In Mandarin Chinese, 'em' is a character (嗯) commonly used as an interjection to indicate affirmation, agreement, or acknowledgement during conversation. It is similar to the English expression "uh-huh" or "mm-hmm."

    5. English Language Learning: In English language learning, 'em' can be considered a shortened form of 'them.' It is often used informally in spoken English, particularly in informal or colloquial contexts.

    In summary, em is a multi-faceted term with different meanings in various contexts, including electronic mail, punctuation, typography, Mandarin Chinese interjection, and English language learning.

  2. A prefix; a form of en, which becomes em before b, p, or m; AS. prefix em signifies to make, to surround; Gr. prefix em signifies in or on; em, for L. im, signifies in, on, or into.

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

Top Common Misspellings for EM *

  • erm 33.3333333%
  • jem 33.3333333%
  • ehm 16.6666666%
  • emn 16.6666666%

* 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.

Other Common Misspellings for EM

Etymology of EM

The word "em" is a noun used in printing and typography to denote a unit of measurement. It is derived from the word "mutton", which was used in early printing as a unit of measurement. In the 18th century, when printers needed a shorter and easier word to use, they began using "em" as a shorthand for "mutton". The origin of the word "mutton" in this context is uncertain, but it is believed to have been chosen as an arbitrary term. Over time, "em" became widely accepted as a standard unit of measurement in typesetting, representing the width of a capital letter "M" in the given typeface and point size.

Idioms with the word EM

  • nail-em-and-jail-em The idiom "nail 'em and jail 'em" is an expression used to describe the process of catching and punishing someone, typically referring to law enforcement's efforts to apprehend and incarcerate criminals. It suggests a quick and decisive action taken to bring offenders to justice swiftly.
  • if you can't beat 'em, join 'em The idiom "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" suggests that if you cannot succeed against a particular group or individual, it may be more advantageous to join them or adopt their methods instead. It implies that rather than persisting in opposition or competition, it may be wiser to align yourself with the prevailing circumstances or conform to the prevailing standards.
  • you win sm, you lose sm, at you can't win 'em all The idiom "you win some, you lose some, at you can't win 'em all" means that in any given situation or pursuit, some victories and some losses are inevitable. It signifies the acknowledgement that not everything will go in one's favor, and it is impossible to achieve success or win every single time.
  • you can't win 'em all The idiom "you can't win 'em all" means that it is impossible to always be successful or win every time in any competition, endeavor, or situation. It implies accepting and acknowledging that occasional failures or losses are inevitable and part of life.
  • can’t win em all The idiom "can’t win 'em all" means that it is not possible to be successful or victorious in every situation or endeavor. It implies that despite one's best efforts, sometimes one will inevitably experience failure or disappointment.
  • read 'em and weep The idiom "read 'em and weep" is a colloquial expression used when someone has made a winning hand or achieved a significant outcome in a competition, game, or contest, typically as a way of rubbing it in or boasting to others. It is often used in contexts involving poker or other card games, where the phrase references the act of revealing one's hand to show a strong or unbeatable combination of cards.
  • knock 'em dead! "Knock 'em dead!" is an informal expression used to encourage or wish someone success in a performance, competition, or other endeavor. It means to impress or perform exceptionally well, often to the admiration or astonishment of others.
  • If you can't beat 'em,! The idiom "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" means that if you are unable to defeat someone or something, it may be beneficial to join forces with them or adopt a similar approach in order to achieve success or reach a compromise.
  • stick 'em up! "Stick 'em up!" is a command often used in robberies, instructing the victims to raise their hands in the air or to surrender.
  • up and at 'em The idiom "up and at 'em" means to be energetic, enthusiastic, and ready to begin a task or activity.
  • knock them/'em dead "Knock them/'em dead" is an English idiom that means to greatly impress or astound someone, typically through one's appearance, performance, or actions. It is often used to encourage someone to make a strong impact or impression on others.
  • em The idiom "em" is a shortened form of the word "them" and is often used in casual or informal speech or writing to replace the longer word. It is used to refer to a group of people or things previously mentioned or understood in context.

Similar spelling words for EM

Plural form of EM is EMS

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