How Do You Spell HAW?

Pronunciation: [hˈɔː] (IPA)

The word "haw" can be a bit tricky to spell because it doesn't follow the usual rules of English phonetics. In IPA phonetic transcription, it's spelled /hɔː/, which represents the the long "o" sound (represented by the symbol 'ɔ') followed by a silent "w". The word can be used as a verb, meaning to hesitate or falter in speech, or as a noun, referring to a fruit of certain species in the hawthorn family. Remembering the spelling through repetition can help ensure that you spell it correctly.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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HAW Meaning and Definition

  1. Haw is a versatile word that can function as a noun, verb, or interjection depending on its context. As a noun, haw refers to the rounded, red or yellowish fruit of the hawthorn tree, resembling a small apple. It is often used in reference to the common hawthorn, a thorny shrub typically found in temperate regions. In this sense, haw can also refer to the shrub itself.

    As a verb, haw typically means to utter a sound or noise, often in the form of a hesitation or throat clearing, as an expression of doubt, embarrassment, or indecision. It can also mean to address or speak to someone as a command or directive. Additionally, haw can denote the act of making a strategic movement off course, usually as a reaction to an obstacle, in order to continue in a desired direction.

    As an interjection, haw is an exclamation used to get someone's attention or to express surprise or disbelief. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other words or phrases.

    Overall, haw is a diverse and multi-functional word, encompassing various meanings and uses across different contexts. Its versatility allows it to serve as a noun, verb, or interjection, playing roles in language, communication, and natural elements.

  2. 1. The third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, of the horse. 2. Any growth on the conjunctiva or eyelid.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • The berry of the hawthorn; a gristly excrescence under the nether eyelid of a horse.
    • To make sounds like haw, haw, between one's words in speaking.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for HAW *

* 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 HAW

Etymology of HAW

The word "haw" has a complex etymology with multiple meanings and origins. Here are a few possible origins:

1. Related to "hawk" (the bird): In Old English, the bird we commonly know as "hawk" was referred to as "hafoc" or "heafoc". Some etymologists suggest that "haw" could have developed as an onomatopoeic word imitating the shriek or cry of a hawk.

2. From Middle English "hawe": In Middle English, the word "hawe" referred to the fruit or berry of the hawthorn tree. Over time, "hawe" evolved to become "haw", specifically referring to the red fruit of the hawthorn tree. This meaning is still used today.

Idioms with the word HAW

  • hem and haw (around) The idiom "hem and haw (around)" refers to the action of hesitating, stalling, or being indecisive when faced with making a decision or giving a direct answer. It typically implies a tendency to speak in a vague or evasive manner.
  • hum and haw The idiom "hum and haw" means to hesitate, deliberate, or speak in a hesitant or indecisive manner. It refers to the act of making various sounds like "hmm" or "uhh" while searching for words or trying to gather one's thoughts before speaking. It is often used to describe someone who is unsure or hesitant about making a decision or giving a direct answer.
  • hem and haw, at hum and haw The idiom "hem and haw" or "hum and haw" refers to the act of hesitating, stalling, or being indecisive while speaking or making a decision. It involves using filler words, such as "um" or "ah," and taking longer than necessary to respond or come to a conclusion.
  • hum and haw (or ha) The idiom "hum and haw (or ha)" means to hesitate, be indecisive, or to speak in an uncertain or evasive manner. It refers to the sound people make when they are trying to think of what to say or how to respond, typically characterized by a combination of humming or hawing noises.
  • hem and haw The idiom "hem and haw" refers to the act of hesitating, being indecisive, or stalling before making a decision or giving a response. It often implies uncertainty or an inability to commit to a definitive answer or course of action.

Similar spelling words for HAW

Plural form of HAW is HAWS

Conjugate verb Haw

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have hawed
you would have hawed
he/she/it would have hawed
we would have hawed
they would have hawed

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been hawing
you would have been hawing
he/she/it would have been hawing
we would have been hawing
they would have been hawing

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would haw
you would haw
he/she/it would haw
we would haw
they would haw

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be hawing
you would be hawing
he/she/it would be hawing
we would be hawing
they would be hawing

FUTURE

I will haw
you will haw
he/she/it will haw
we will haw
they will haw

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be hawing
you will be hawing
he/she/it will be hawing
we will be hawing
they will be hawing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have hawed
you will have hawed
he/she/it will have hawed
we will have hawed
they will have hawed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been hawing
you will have been hawing
he/she/it will have been hawing
we will have been hawing
they will have been hawing

IMPERATIVE

we Let´s haw

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was hawing
you were hawing
he/she/it was hawing
we were hawing
they were hawing

PAST PARTICIPLE

hawed

PAST PERFECT

I had hawed
you had hawed
he/she/it had hawed
we had hawed
they had hawed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been hawing
you had been hawing
he/she/it had been hawing
we had been hawing
they had been hawing

PRESENT

I haw
you haw
he/she/it haws
we haw
they haw

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am hawing
you are hawing
he/she/it is hawing
we are hawing
they are hawing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

hawing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have hawed
you have hawed
he/she/it has hawed
we have hawed
they have hawed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been hawing
you have been hawing
he/she/it has been hawing
we have been hawing
they have been hawing

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it haw

SIMPLE PAST

I hawed
you hawed
he/she/it hawed
we hawed
they hawed

Infographic

Correct spelling for haw
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