The phrase "fully fledged" is frequently used to describe something or someone that has reached a complete state of development or maturity. The spelling of "fully fledged" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈfʊli flɛdʒd/. The first syllable "ful" is pronounced as "ful" with a short "u" sound, while the second syllable "ly" is pronounced with a long "e" sound. The final syllable "-edged" is pronounced with a "dʒ" sound instead of a "g," making the final pronunciation "fledʒd."
Fully fledged is an adjective used to describe something or someone that has reached a complete and advanced stage of development or maturity. It implies that the person, thing, or concept possesses all the necessary qualities, abilities, or attributes required for its intended purpose. The term is often used in various contexts, including animals, projects, organizations, ideas, or individuals.
In the context of animals, being fully fledged refers to the stage when a bird has grown enough feathers and developed its flying skills necessary to leave the nest and survive in the wild. This milestone signifies that the bird has reached full maturity and is ready to explore its surroundings independently.
When applied to projects or organizations, being fully fledged suggests that they have successfully met all the necessary requirements, achieved desired targets, and are fully operational. For instance, a fully fledged construction project implies that all building works have been completed, and the facility is ready for use.
In the context of ideas or concepts, being fully fledged means that they have been thoroughly developed, researched, and tested. It suggests that these ideas have evolved into comprehensive and well-rounded concepts with all the necessary components and details considered.
Regarding individuals, being fully fledged signifies that a person has reached a mature and competent state in a particular area, profession, or field. It suggests that they have acquired all the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to perform their tasks proficiently.
Overall, fully fledged denotes a state of completeness, maturity, and readiness that encompasses various aspects of life, growth, or development.
The word "fully fledged" originated from the verb "fledge", which is derived from Old English "flycge" or "flecge". "Fledge" means to acquire the feathers necessary for flight, primarily used in reference to birds. The Old English word itself draws from the Proto-Germanic root "*flukhwijan", meaning "to fly", which has cognates in other Germanic languages as well. Over time, the term "fledge" developed a figurative usage that implied achieving full development or maturity. Thus, "fully fledged" emerged as an idiomatic expression meaning fully developed or fully qualified.