Groundless is a nine-letter word that is pronounced as /ˈɡraʊndləs/. The word is composed of the root word "ground" and the suffix "-less" which means without. The phonetic transcription of the word is broken down into syllables as /ˈɡraʊnd/-/ləs/. The stress is on the first syllable "ground". The word groundless refers to something baseless or without any valid reasons or grounds. It is often used to describe an argument or accusation that lacks factual evidence or supporting reasons.
Groundless (adjective) refers to something that lacks any valid or logical basis, evidence, or justification. It describes a claim, belief, or accusation that has no supporting facts, reasoning, or foundation.
When a statement or assertion is groundless, it is made without solid reasons or proof to substantiate it. Such a claim is not based on any observable or measurable reality, making it purely speculative or unfounded. The term implies that the argument or assertion lacks credibility, as it is devoid of any reasonable or logical support.
Groundless can be used to describe an accusation made without substantial evidence, such as an unwarranted slanderous remark or baseless defamation. It may also apply to an unsupported belief or assumption without any reliable data or explanation to back it up.
This term is commonly used in legal contexts when referring to a groundless lawsuit, which indicates that a lawsuit lacks the necessary legal or factual basis. In this context, a groundless claim is without any chance of success due to the absence of concrete evidence or sufficient argumentation.
Overall, groundless signifies the absence of substantiation or proof, highlighting the lack of a solid foundation for a claim, belief, or accusation.
Without foundation; false.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "groundless" has its etymology in the combination of two separate words: "ground" and "less".
The word "ground" ultimately derives from the Old English word "grund", meaning "foundation" or "base". It can be traced back even further to the Proto-Germanic word "grunduz" and the Proto-Indo-European word "ghrund", both also meaning "ground" or "bottom".
The suffix "-less" originates from Old English as well and is added to words to indicate the absence or absence of a particular quality. In this case, it signifies the absence of "ground" or a foundation, suggesting that something is lacking a basis or support.
Therefore, when combined, "groundless" signifies something that lacks a solid foundation or basis, referring to claims, ideas, or arguments that are without evidence or justification.