How Do You Spell HEW?

Pronunciation: [hjˈuː] (IPA)

The word "hew" is spelled phonetically as [hju]. The first sound is a voiceless glottal fricative, represented by the letter "h". The second sound is a diphthong, made up of the vowel sound [j] followed by the vowel sound [u]. The letter "e" at the end of the word is silent, and serves to indicate the pronunciation of the preceding vowel sound. "Hew" can mean different things depending on context, such as to chop, shape, or conform to a certain standard.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Conjugate verb
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HEW Meaning and Definition

  1. Hew is a verb that typically means to shape or cut something with forceful blows, especially using a tool like an axe or a chisel. The term is often associated with the act of chopping or cutting through wood or solid materials, and it conveys the idea of shaping or forming something by removing excess or unwanted parts.

    In a more literal context, hew can describe the act of splitting or cleaving something by hitting it repeatedly, resulting in a clean, even cut. This action requires strength, precision, and skill, as it usually involves carefully following a predetermined line or mark. Hewing is a technique commonly employed in woodworking or stonemasonry, where materials are shaped and refined to achieve a desired form or structure.

    Figuratively, hew can also be used to describe someone adhering firmly to a principle, belief, or course of action without wavering or deviating. This sense of the word implies a steadfast commitment, as if cutting through opposition or obstacles without straying from one's chosen path. It suggests a strong determination, resolve, or loyalty to ideals or objectives.

    Overall, hew encompasses the notions of shaping, cutting, and cleaving with forceful blows, both in the physical and metaphorical sense. It encompasses the concepts of carving, crafting, and adhering steadfastly to a particular belief or action.

  2. To cut; to chop; to hack.

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

Common Misspellings for HEW

Etymology of HEW

The word "hew" originates from the Old English word "hēawan", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "hawwanan". This term is also related to the Old Norse word "hǫggva" and the Gothic word "hawan", both sharing the same meaning. The Proto-Germanic term "hawwanan" is believed to have been influenced by the Proto-Indo-European root "*kewH-" or "*kewt-" which means "to hew" or "to strike". Over time, these linguistic roots evolved, resulting in the modern English word "hew", which generally refers to cutting, striking, or shaping something with force, particularly when it comes to wood or stone.

Idioms with the word HEW

  • hew to sth The idiom "hew to sth" means to adhere or conform strictly to something, such as a set of principles, beliefs, or guidelines. It suggests staying true to a particular course or ideology without deviating or straying from it.
  • hew something out of something The idiom "hew something out of something" refers to carving or shaping something, usually by using force or effort, from a larger or more solid material. It implies the process of carefully crafting or creating something by removing or chiseling away excess or unwanted parts.
  • hew to something The idiom "hew to something" means to adhere strictly or faithfully to a particular principle, standard, or belief. It implies staying firmly committed to something and not deviating from it.
  • hew to The idiom "hew to" means to conform to or follow strictly, especially in terms of principles, rules, or beliefs. It implies staying true to certain standards or staying on a particular course of action, often regardless of challenges or opposition.
  • hew something down The idiom "hew something down" means to cut or chop down something, such as a tree or a large object, using force or a sharp tool. It implies the act of removing or bringing down something with strength or determination.
  • hew sth down The idiom "hew sth down" means to cut down or chop down something, typically using an axe or similar tool. It is often used metaphorically to refer to the act of bringing down or demolishing an obstacle, barrier, or problem.
  • hew sth out of sth The idiom "hew something out of something" means to create or construct something, usually by cutting, carving, or shaping it from a larger piece of material. It implies a process of hard work, determination, and craftsmanship to produce something substantial or significant.

Similar spelling words for HEW

Conjugate verb Hew

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have hewed; hewn
you would have hewed; hewn
he/she/it would have hewed; hewn
we would have hewed; hewn
they would have hewed; hewn
I would have hew
you would have hew
he/she/it would have hew
we would have hew
they would have hew

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have hewed; hewn
you will have hewed; hewn
he/she/it will have hewed; hewn
we will have hewed; hewn
they will have hewed; hewn
I will have hewed
you will have hewed
he/she/it will have hewed
we will have hewed
they will have hewed
I will have hewn
we will have hewn
you will have hewn
he/she/it will have hewn
they will have hewn

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

you hew
we let´s hew

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to hew

PAST

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

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

hewed; hewn
hewed

PAST PERFECT

I had hewed; hewn
you had hewed; hewn
he/she/it had hewed; hewn
we had hewed; hewn
they had hewed; hewn
I had hewed
you had hewed
he/she/it had hewed
we had hewed
they had hewed
I had hewn
we had hewn
you had hewn
he/she/it had hewn
they had hewn

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I hew
you hew
he/she/it hews
we hew
they hew

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

hewing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have hewed; hewn
you have hewed; hewn
he/she/it has hewed; hewn
we have hewed; hewn
they have hewed; hewn
I have hewed
you have hewed
he/she/it has hewed
we have hewed
they have hewed
I have hewn
we have hewn
you have hewn
he/she/it has hewn
they have hewn

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it hew

SIMPLE PAST

I hewed
you hewed
he/she/it hewed
we hewed
they hewed
I would have hewn
we would have hewn
you would have hewn
he/she/it would have hewn
they would have hewn

Infographic

Correct spelling for hew
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