The spelling of "full fledged" is unique as it combines both the pronunciation of "full" and "fledged". The first part of the word, "full," is pronounced /fʊl/ (fool), with a short "u" sound. The second part, "fledged," is pronounced /fledʒd/ (flej'd), with a "j" sound. When combined, the two parts create the distinct pronunciation of /ˌfʊlˈfledʒd/ (fool-flej'd), meaning something is fully developed or mature. Despite its unique spelling, "full fledged" is a common expression in the English language.
Full-fledged, adjective, refers to something or someone that has fully attained a certain quality, status, or level of development, often associated with maturity or completeness. It denotes an entity or an individual that has reached the point of being fully formed, accomplished, or experienced in a particular field, activity, or role.
The term can be used in various contexts, such as describing an animal that has reached adulthood or maturity, indicating that it has developed fully both physically and behaviorally. In regards to human beings, it signifies a person who has acquired the necessary skills, experience, or qualifications, allowing them to operate or perform at their highest capacity in a given profession, occupation, or role.
Furthermore, the expression can apply to organizations or institutions that have evolved over time and obtained all the elements required to function effectively and independently, including systems, resources, staff, and procedures.
In a broader sense, "full-fledged" can also describe an action, event, or phenomenon that has reached its absolute extent or maximum intensity. It implies that the situation or event under consideration has matured completely and is not merely a partial or incomplete version of its potential.
In summary, "full-fledged" characterizes something that has fully attained all the necessary attributes, qualities, or requirements, demonstrating a high level of proficiency, completeness, or advancement.
The word "full-fledged" originated from the combination of two separate terms: "full" and "fledged".
The word "full" comes from Old English "full", meaning complete or entirely covered. It can be traced back to Proto-Germanic *fullaz, which shares common ancestry with Old High German "fol", Old Norse "fullr", and Gothic "fulls".
On the other hand, "fledged" comes from the word "fledge", which dates back to the 14th century. "Fledge" itself is derived from Middle English "fledden" or Old English "fledan", meaning to furnish with wings or feathers. This Old English term has Germanic roots and is related to Old High German "fliagan" and Old Norse "fljúga".