How Do You Spell GILT EDGED?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈɪlt ˈɛd͡ʒd] (IPA)

The term "gilt edged" describes something that is of high quality or prestigious. The spelling of this phrase may be confusing for some, as it contains a silent letter 'd'. The IPA phonetic transcription for "gilt edged" is /ɡɪlt/ /ɛdʒd/, with the 'g' pronounced as a hard 'g', the 'i' as a short 'i', and the 'lt' pronounced in one syllable. The 'edged' portion is pronounced with a soft 'e' sound and both 'd's are silent. Despite its peculiar spelling, "gilt edged" remains a commonly used phrase in English language.

GILT EDGED Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "gilt-edged" refers to something of exceptionally high quality, reliability, or value. Originally derived from the practice of applying a thin layer of gold leaf to the edges of high-quality books, the term has come to represent objects or entities that possess outstanding characteristics or credibility.

    In the financial context, "gilt-edged" commonly describes government bonds that are considered to be extremely secure and reliable. These bonds are typically issued by stable and trustworthy governments, making them highly sought-after investments. They are often seen as low-risk, with minimal chances of default, and are therefore considered attractive to investors seeking safety and stability.

    Beyond finance, "gilt-edged" can be used more broadly to describe a wide range of things that are deemed exceptional in their respective fields. For instance, a "gilt-edged reputation" implies a person or organization with an unparalleled standing, trustworthiness, and prestige.

    Furthermore, the term can be applied to physical objects to denote their exceptional quality. An item with a "gilt-edged finish" would have a superior, meticulously applied, and highly decorative layer of gold or gold-like material, indicating luxury and elegance.

    In summary, "gilt-edged" signifies excellence, reliability, and value, whether in the realm of finance, reputation, or physical attributes. Its connotation of exceptional quality or reliability makes it a valuable term in multiple contexts.

Common Misspellings for GILT EDGED

  • gilt-edger
  • gillt-edged

Etymology of GILT EDGED

The phrase "gilt-edged" comes from a practice in bookbinding where the edges of a book's pages were gilded in gold. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it became common to apply gold leaf to the edges of books to create an attractive and luxurious appearance. These gilded edges, which had a shiny, golden appearance, were favored for prestigious or valuable books. Over time, the term "gilt-edged" began to be used metaphorically to refer to something of high quality, excellence, or value. It has since evolved to describe any asset or security of exceptional quality or reliability.

Similar spelling words for GILT EDGED

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