How Do You Spell GOSSAMERY?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈɒse͡ɪməɹɪ] (IPA)

Gossamery is a word that is often misspelled, but its correct spelling is easy to explain using IPA phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced ["gɒsəməri"], with stress on the second syllable. The "g" is pronounced like a "dʒ", making the initial sound "dʒɒs". The "a" in the second syllable is pronounced like "uh", and the "y" at the end is pronounced like "i". The word means something that is thin, delicate, and light, like a spider's web or a piece of gauze.

GOSSAMERY Meaning and Definition

1. Gossamery is an adjective that describes something as delicate, light, or ethereal in nature. The term is often used to depict something that is extremely fine or thin, almost like a cobweb or a delicate veil.

   In a literal sense, gossamery refers to something that resembles gossamer, a fine, sheer, almost transparent material. It hints at fragility and evokes a sense of ephemeral beauty. It is commonly employed to describe objects or textures with a delicate and intricate quality that appears to float or shimmer in the light.

   Metaphorically, gossamery can be used to describe a person, conversation, or idea that possesses a subtle and intangible quality. It suggests an elusive, almost otherworldly charm, that may be captivating but challenging to grasp fully. A gossamery voice, for example, may refer to a voice that is soft and light, seemingly floating through the air with a touch of enchantment.

   Overall, gossamery conveys a sense of enchantment and delicacy, evoking images of delicate webs and the fleeting beauty of the ephemeral. Whether used literally or metaphorically, this adjective captures the notion of something extremely fine and ethereal, lending a touch of enchantment and magic to the description.

2. Flimsy; unsubstantial.

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

Common Misspellings for GOSSAMERY

• fossamery
• vossamery
• bossamery
• hossamery
• yossamery
• tossamery
• gissamery
• gkssamery
• glssamery
• gpssamery
• g0ssamery
• g9ssamery
• goasamery
• gozsamery
• goxsamery
• godsamery
• goesamery
• gowsamery
• gosaamery

Etymology of GOSSAMERY

The word "gossamery" has an interesting and somewhat convoluted etymology. It originated from the Middle English term "gos(s)omer", which meant "goose summer". This name referred to a specific time of the year, often in late autumn or early winter, when geese were considered to be at their fattest and most tender for eating.

Over time, the term "gossamer" came to describe the delicate, thin and filmy cobwebs often seen in the air during this period. These webs were believed to have been spun by spiders during the "goose summer" season. Consequently, "gossamer" transitioned from meaning "goose summer" to "a thin, delicate substance" or "a fine spider silk".