How Do You Spell FORE?

Pronunciation: [fˈɔː] (IPA)

Fore is a commonly used word in English, often used in golf and sailing contexts. Its spelling is interesting as it doesn't follow the usual English phonetic pronunciation rules. The word is pronounced as /fɔː/, which means the vowel sound is "aw" instead of the expected "o". This spelling can be explained by the word's origins in Old English, where the "o" sound was actually pronounced like "aw". Over time, the spelling remained the same, even though the pronunciation changed.

FORE Meaning and Definition

  1. Fore is an adjective or adverb that primarily denotes a location or position situated at or near the front of something. It is generally used to refer to the space or area that precedes or comes before something else in terms of direction or order. The term is commonly associated with physical entities and is extensively utilized in various contexts.

    In a physical sense, fore typically describes an object, person, or location located towards the front or beginning of a designated area, structure, or activity. For example, in nautical terms, "fore" often refers to the front part of a ship, including the area in front of the mast. Similarly, in golf, "fore" is a warning cry used to alert others on the course of an incoming ball aimed towards them.

    Additionally, fore can also be used figuratively to describe a time, event, or situation that comes before another in a sequence or series. This usage can be found in phrases like "forementioned," which means previously mentioned or named beforehand, or "forefather," which refers to a person's ancestor or someone who came before them in a particular lineage.

    Overall, fore serves as a descriptive term that underlines the position or direction of something that is located in front, whether it is a physical entity or refers to a preceding circumstance or event.

  2. In front of; coming or going first; preceding: fore and aft, among seamen, the whole length of the ship from end to end-fore, meaning front or first part, and aft, the behind or hinder part: as a prefix, fore generally means priority in time; before; front part.

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

Top Common Misspellings for FORE *

* 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 FORE

Etymology of FORE

The word "fore" has different etymologies depending on its meaning. Here are a few possibilities:

1. As a prefix meaning "before" or "in front of" (e.g., in words like "forefather", "foresight", "forefront"), "fore" comes from the Old English word "fore", which means "before" or "preceding". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word *furai, meaning "before" or "forward".

2. In the context of golf, where "fore" is a warning shout to alert others of an incoming ball, the origin is not completely clear. It might be an abbreviation of the phrase "before", which would make sense in warning people before they are hit by the ball. Another theory suggests it might derive from the Scots word "fore", meaning "ahead" or "in front".

Idioms with the word FORE

  • bring sth to the fore The idiom "bring something to the fore" means to emphasize or highlight something, often referring to making an issue or topic more prominent or noticeable. It involves bringing something or someone to the forefront or center of attention.
  • be/come to the fore The phrase "be/come to the fore" means to come into prominence, to become more noticeable, or to take a leading or influential position in a particular situation or group. It refers to someone or something emerging as an important or dominant figure or aspect.
  • bring to the fore The idiom "bring to the fore" means to highlight, emphasize, or give prominence to something or someone. It refers to bringing someone or something to the attention or forefront of a discussion, situation, or event.
  • bring (something) to the fore The idiom "bring (something) to the fore" means to make something or someone more prominent, noticeable, or important. It suggests drawing attention to a particular thing or person, highlighting their significance or relevance in a certain context or situation. It can also imply giving priority or focus to a specific matter or concern.
  • fore and aft The idiom "fore and aft" is often used in nautical terms and refers to the two ends of a ship. "Fore" refers to the forward or front end, while "aft" refers to the back or rear end. In a broader sense, the idiom can be used to describe any situation involving the entirety or both ends of something.
  • come to the fore The idiom "come to the fore" means to come forward or rise to prominence, usually in a competitive or challenging situation. It refers to someone or something standing out, becoming more visible, or taking a leading role in a particular context or circumstance.
  • to the fore The idiom "to the fore" means to be at the forefront or to become prominent or noticeable in a particular situation or context. It refers to being in a position of visibility or prominence, often related to leadership, recognition, or being at the forefront of an activity or event.

Similar spelling words for FORE

Plural form of FORE is FORES

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