How Do You Spell HANNIBAL?

Pronunciation: [hˈanɪbə͡l] (IPA)

Hannibal is a proper noun that refers to a historical figure, military leader, and commander of Carthage in the Second Punic War. The correct spelling of this word is /ˈhænəbəl/, with the stress on the first syllable. The two 'n's in the word are pronounced separately, and the 'i' is pronounced as a short 'i' sound. The final syllable ends with the schwa sound. The spelling of this word can be challenging, but mastering its pronunciation is critical for anyone interested in history or military campaigns.

HANNIBAL Meaning and Definition

1. Hannibal is a proper noun that refers to an individual primarily known for his historical significance. Derived from the name of the ancient Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca, it represents a figure who played a prominent role during the Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage.

   Hannibal Barca, born in 247 BC, was revered for his military genius and tactical prowess. He is famous for leading an army including elephants—his most recognizable symbol—across the Alps to invade Italy during the Second Punic War (218–201 BC). His daring military campaigns and victories against Roman forces brought him great renown and established him as one of the greatest military leaders of his time. Among his triumphs, the Battle of Cannae in 216 BC, where his forces encircled and annihilated the Roman army, stands as the pinnacle of his achievements.

   Beyond his military accomplishments, Hannibal's name has become synonymous with strategic brilliance, audacity, and perseverance. He is emblematic of individual resilience and resourcefulness, representing someone who ingeniously overcomes seemingly insurmountable challenges. Furthermore, Hannibal is often referenced metaphorically to describe individuals showing exceptional intellect, cunning, or bravery in confronting formidable obstacles or opponents.

   Overall, the term "Hannibal" signifies a historical figure renowned for his military brilliance and tenacity, serving as an enduring symbol of strategic genius and audacious ambition throughout the ages.

Top Common Misspellings for HANNIBAL *

• hanibal 50%
• hannible 50%

* 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.

Other Common Misspellings for HANNIBAL

• canibal
• cannabal
• hannabel
• annibal
• hanniball
• hannabal
• pannipat
• hanniel
• Hannobar
• Annibale
• Handibal
• Hannabeal
• Tannibel
• Mannidai

Etymology of HANNIBAL

The name "Hannibal" is derived from the Phoenician language, specifically the Punic language, which was spoken in ancient Carthage. The Carthaginians were a seafaring civilization in North Africa, and Hannibal Barca was a prominent Carthaginian general.

The exact etymology of the name is not entirely clear, as the Punic language is no longer spoken and has limited surviving written records. However, it is believed to originate from the root *ḥnbl, which means "grace" or "mercy" in the Phoenician language. This Phoenician root appears in other names such as Baal-hanan, which means "Baal has been gracious", and Hannabeal, which means "grace of Baal".