The word "fledged" is spelled as /flɛdʒd/. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word shows that it is pronounced with the "f" sound followed by the "l" sound, pronounced with the tongue touching the upper teeth. This is then followed by the "ɛ" sound, which is pronounced with an open mouth and the tongue lowered in the center. The "dʒ" sound is pronounced with the tongue touching the upper part of the lower teeth and the lips slightly open. The last "d" is pronounced by pressing the tongue against the upper teeth and then releasing it.
The term "fledged" is an adjective that refers to something or someone that has reached a stage of maturity or development wherein they possess all the necessary skills, abilities, or characteristics required for a particular task or role. This term is derived from the concept of a bird acquiring its feathers and being capable of flight.
Typically, "fledged" is used to indicate that someone or something is fully formed or matured, having acquired the necessary experience, expertise, or competence for a specific domain or activity. For instance, a fledged musician denotes a skilled and accomplished musician who has completed necessary training and is proficient in their craft.
Furthermore, "fledged" can also be employed to describe a young bird that has grown feathers, enabling it to fly. In this context, it indicates the developmental stage when a bird is ready to leave the nest and live independently.
In a metaphorical sense, "fledged" can be extended to describe any process of growth, progress, or advancement. For example, a fledged company can be understood as an organization that has successfully evolved and thrived in its industry, having acquired the necessary experience, resources, and stability for long-term success.
Overall, "fledged" conveys the concept of full development, accomplishment, or maturity in various contexts, whether it be in relation to individuals, animals, or entities.
Covered with feathers.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word fledged comes from the Middle English word fleged, which dates back to the 14th century. It is derived from the Old English word fledgian, meaning to provide with feathers or down or to fledge (as in growing feathers). The Old English word itself comes from the Proto-Germanic word fluggja, which has a similar meaning. Ultimately, the etymology of fledged traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root *pleuk, meaning to flow or to fly.