The word "gutless" is spelled with a "u" after the "g" and before the "t", which may seem unusual. However, this is because the sound represented by the letter "u" in this word is actually a short "uh" sound, also known as a schwa. The IPA phonetic transcription of "gutless" is /ˈɡʌt.ləs/, with the schwa sound represented by the "u" and the stress on the first syllable, "gut". This spelling might trip up some learners, but understanding the phonetics behind it can make it easier to remember.
Gutless is an adjective used to describe someone who lacks courage, strength, or determination in the face of adversity or difficult situations. It is an informal term derived from the idea of lacking the "guts" or intestinal fortitude needed to take decisive action or stand up for what is right.
A gutless individual is often characterized by their inability to confront challenges, make tough decisions, or take risks. They may exhibit a fear of failure or a constant need for reassurance, resulting in a reluctance to assert themselves or take a stand. This may lead to a lack of assertiveness, passivity, or an inclination to avoid conflict at all costs.
In addition to lacking bravery, gutless individuals may also display a lack of integrity or moral strength, particularly when it comes to doing what is right even if it is difficult or unpopular. They may shy away from upholding their principles or speaking out against injustice for fear of negative consequences or personal discomfort.
Gutlessness can manifest in various areas of life, whether it be personal relationships, professional environments, or even broader societal contexts. It is often seen as a negative trait, as being gutless suggests a lack of leadership qualities, reliability, and the ability to face challenges head-on.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "gutless" comes from the combination of two root words: "gut" and the suffix "-less".
The term "gut" can be traced back to the Old English word "gutan", which means "to take out the entrails". From there, it evolved to refer to the digestive organs, specifically the stomach and intestines. Over time, "gut" began to be associated with toughness, courage, and instinctual reactions, likely due to the perception of these organs as being vital to survival and linked to basic instincts.
The suffix "-less" is derived from Old English "-leas", meaning "without" or "lacking". It is often added to adjectives to form new words that mean "without a particular quality".
When "gut" and "-less" are combined, we get "gutless", with the meaning of lacking courage, fortitude, or bravery.