Pronunciation: [ɡˈə͡ʊɪŋ at] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "going at" is pretty straightforward. The first word, "going," is spelled G-O-I-N-G, with the IPA transcription of /ˈɡoʊɪŋ/. The second word, "at," is spelled A-T, with the IPA transcription of /æt/. When pronounced together, the phrase sounds like /ˈɡoʊɪŋ æt/. "Going at" can have a few different meanings, depending on the context, but the spelling remains constant regardless.
Going at is a phrasal verb that has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In general, it implies that someone or something is putting forth effort or engaging in a particular action or behavior.
When used to describe a person, going at may refer to someone who is working diligently or putting great effort into a task. It suggests an individual is actively and persistently pursuing a goal, often with determination and purpose. This can apply to various aspects of life, such as work, studies, or personal projects.
In terms of an object or substance, going at may indicate intense or vigorous use, consumption, or application. For instance, if someone is "going at" a meal, they are eating it zealously or devouring it hastily. Similarly, if someone is "going at" a task, it implies that they are tackling it with energy and enthusiasm.
Furthermore, going at can also convey an aggressive or combative behavior. In this context, it suggests involvement in a fight, argument, or competitive activity. It characterizes a person, team, or entity actively participating in a confrontation or competition by actively pursuing strategies or tactics to gain an advantage or achieve a favorable outcome.
Overall, going at is a versatile phrase that indicates dedicated effort, active engagement, intense usage, or competitive involvement, depending on the given context. It emphasizes the commitment, energy, and determination with which an individual or object is pursuing a particular endeavor.
The phrase "going at" is not a word with its own etymology, but rather a combination of two words, "going" and "at". Here is the etymology for each of these words:
1. "Going": The word "going" originated from the Old English word "gān", meaning "to walk, depart, or betake oneself". Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*gḗn" and the Proto-Indo-European word "*ǵʰen-", both with similar meanings. Over time, "going" developed various forms and meanings, such as "to proceed, continue, or be in motion".
2. "At": The word "at" has a slightly different etymology compared to "going". It originated from the Old English word "æt", which had several meanings, including "toward, near, or against".
