Pronunciation: [fˈɛðəlˌa͡ɪt] (IPA) 
Featherlight is spelled with two separate words, "feather" and "light," without any hyphen. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ˈfɛðərlaɪt/. The first syllable "feather" is pronounced with the "f" sound followed by a short "e" and a "th" sound, while the second syllable "light" has a long "i" and a "t" sound. The word describes something that is very light or delicate, like the weight of a feather.
Featherlight is an adjective that describes something as being extremely light in weight, almost as light as a feather. The term "feather" refers to the light, soft, and delicate covering that grows on the bodies of birds as a means of flight. By comparing the weight of something to that of a feather, it implies that it is exceptionally light.
When something is described as featherlight, it suggests that it weighs very little, providing a sense of weightlessness or insignificance. This term is commonly used to describe objects, materials, or substances that are incredibly light and easy to handle or carry. For example, a featherlight fabric would be one that is so lightweight that it feels almost weightless when worn or touched.
The term can also be used metaphorically to describe actions, movements, or even emotions. If someone moves with featherlight steps, it means they move gracefully and without making a sound, as if their footsteps have no weight. In an emotional context, featherlight may describe a feeling or emotion that is delicate or ethereal, having a subtle impact or presence.
Overall, the word featherlight portrays the idea of something being exceedingly light, with connotations of delicacy, grace, and insignificance.
The word "featherlight" is a compound word comprised of two elements: "feather" and "light".
The term "feather" originates from the Old English word "feðer", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "fethrō" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*pet-", meaning "feather" or "plumage". The word referred to the soft, lightweight, and often colorful growth covering a bird's body.
On the other hand, the word "light" is derived from the Old English word "leoht", originating from the Proto-Germanic word "leuhtaz" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*leuk-", which meant "light" both in terms of brightness and weight.
