The word "harbor" is spelled with a silent "o." The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈhɑːrbər/. The accent is on the first syllable, which sounds like "hahr." The second syllable is pronounced with a short "u" sound, like "buh." The final "r" is silent, which can be tricky for non-native English speakers to remember. The word means a place where ships and boats can safely dock and unload their cargo. It is commonly used in maritime industries or to refer to a sheltered place for ships during bad weather.
Harbor, as a noun, refers to a sheltered area of water, along a coast or shore, where ships can anchor or find protection from rough waters or inclement weather. It is typically a designated space with docks, piers, or wharves, where vessels can load or unload cargo, embark or disembark passengers, or simply rest. Harbors are often artificially constructed or enhanced to provide deep and safe channels for navigation. They may also have breakwaters or jetties to protect the harbor from waves and currents, ensuring safe anchorage for ships.
The term "harbor" can also be used metaphorically, representing a place of refuge, safety, or protection. It symbolizes a haven or sanctuary, which can extend beyond maritime contexts. In this sense, it represents a space that offers solace, security, or respite, whether physical or emotional, from challenges, dangers, or troubles.
As a verb, "harbor" refers to giving shelter or refuge to someone or something. It implies providing a place where a person, an animal, or an idea can find safety, support, or nourishment. In this context, it encompasses the act of offering hospitality, protection, or help, often in a compassionate manner. However, it can also connote the concealment or protection of someone or something undesirable, specifically with the intention to aid or hide a person fleeing from the law or engaging in illegal activities.
* 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 "harbor" originated from the Old English word "herebeorg", which was a combination of "here", meaning army or host, and "beorg", meaning shelter or refuge. In early usage, it referred to a safe place where an army or fleet could find shelter or protection. Over time, the spelling of the word evolved to "harbor", and its meaning expanded to include any place where ships or boats could seek shelter or anchor.