How Do You Spell FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD?

Pronunciation: [fˈɑː fɹʌmðə mˈadɪŋ kɹˈa͡ʊd] (IPA)

The title "Far from the Madding Crowd" is an example of traditional English spelling, which can be confusing for non-native speakers. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be spelled /fɑr frɒm ðə ˈmædɪŋ kraʊd/. The use of "madding" instead of "mad" is an archaic form of the word and adds to the poetic tone of the title. The word "crowd" is spelled in the traditional way, but the stress is on the first syllable, as indicated by the symbol before the /kraʊd/.

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD Meaning and Definition

  1. "Far from the madding crowd" is an idiomatic expression that refers to a state of being peacefully secluded or removed from the chaos and distractions of modern society. The phrase has its origins in Thomas Hardy's novel "Far From the Madding Crowd," published in 1874.

    In its literal sense, the word "madding" means frenzied or tumultuous. So when someone or something is described as being "far from the madding crowd," it suggests a state of tranquility and solitude, unspoiled by the bustling and often overwhelming nature of urban or populous environments. It implies a distance from the noise, hustle, and stresses of city life, where one can find solace and contentment in a more serene and undisturbed setting.

    This expression often connotes a desire for simplicity, peace, and a return to nature, as well as a yearning for escape from the hectic, fast-paced world. It may evoke images of a pastoral landscape, where one can find respite from the demands and pressures of modernity, seeking refuge in idyllic countryside scenery or peaceful natural surroundings. Metaphorically, the phrase can be used to describe a person's longing for seclusion, introspection, or detachment from the pressures and expectations of the collective society, seeking a more tranquil and unhurried existence.

Idioms with the word FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD

  • far from the madding crowd The idiom "far from the madding crowd" refers to being in a peaceful and isolated place, away from the chaos, noise, and distractions of large groups of people.