How Do You Spell HAIRBREATH?

Pronunciation: [hˈe͡əbɹɛθ] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "hairbreath" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. It is pronounced as /ˈheə.breθ/ and refers to a very small distance or amount. The word is made up of two parts: "hair" and "breath". The "h" at the beginning of the word is pronounced, followed by the long "a" sound. The "r" is silent in "hair" while the "th" at the end of "breath" is pronouned as a "θ" sound, which is made by placing the tongue between the upper and lower teeth.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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HAIRBREATH Meaning and Definition

  1. Hairbreadth refers to a very narrow or extremely close margin, typically indicating a small distance or a close call. The term is often used metaphorically to describe a situation that is barely avoided or a near miss.

    Primarily, hairbreadth pertains to a physical measurement, highlighting a distance that is nearly as wide as a single strand of hair. It symbolizes an incredibly thin or minuscule division, suggesting that even the slightest change or deviation could lead to an entirely different outcome. This definition is widely used in contexts such as describing the narrowness of a gap, a path, or the thickness of a line.

    Moreover, the term extends to a figurative sense, describing situations that are narrowly avoided or extremely close to a calamity or failure. It captures the idea of fortune or destiny balancing on the smallest degree of separation, emphasizing the precariousness of the situation. Often associated with thrilling or suspenseful moments, the concept of hairbreadth signifies the difference between success and failure, life and death, or victory and defeat, in an almost imperceptible and tension-filled manner.

    Overall, hairbreadth encompasses both literal and metaphorical interpretations, highlighting a small physical measurement as well as the delicate distinctions between triumph and disaster.

Common Misspellings for HAIRBREATH

  • hairbreadth
  • heirbreath
  • harebreath
  • gairbreath
  • bairbreath
  • nairbreath
  • jairbreath
  • uairbreath
  • yairbreath
  • hzirbreath
  • hsirbreath
  • hwirbreath
  • hqirbreath
  • haurbreath
  • hajrbreath
  • hakrbreath
  • haorbreath
  • ha9rbreath
  • ha8rbreath
  • haiebreath

Etymology of HAIRBREATH

The word "hairbreath" is derived from combining two separate words, "hair" and "breath".

- "Hair" originated from the Old English word "hǣr", which referred to the proteinaceous filament that grows from the epidermis of mammals. This word has its roots in Proto-Germanic and can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European word "ghésər", meaning "to be hairy".

- "Breath" came from the Old English word "ǣðm", which meant "breath, vapor, exhalation". It stems from the Proto-Germanic word "aþma" and the Proto-Indo-European word "h₂eh₁s-mo", both conveying the concept of breath or wind.