How Do You Spell HOARSE?

Pronunciation: [hˈɔːs] (IPA)

The word "hoarse" refers to a strained or rough-sounding voice commonly experienced when a person has a cold or is experiencing discomfort in their throat. The spelling of this word is not intuitive, as it contains a silent "r." Its IPA phonetic transcription is /hɔːs/ which represents the distinct sound of the "o" and "a" vowel sounds, and the voiceless "s" consonant sounds. Proper pronunciation of "hoarse" requires a soft, breathy "h" sound followed by a long "o" sound and a "s" sound without vocal cord vibration.

HOARSE Meaning and Definition

  1. The word "hoarse" is an adjective used to describe the state of one's voice or sound, particularly when it is harsh, rough, and lacking clarity or smoothness. A person is said to be hoarse when their voice sounds grating, throaty, or strained. This condition is usually caused by irritation, inflammation, or swelling of the vocal cords or the surrounding structures within the throat. Hoarseness can also stem from excessive or improper use of the vocal cords, such as shouting, singing for extended periods, or speaking loudly for prolonged durations.

    The sound produced when someone is hoarse may be characterized by a raspiness, huskiness, or even occasional breaks or cracking. It can be a temporary discomfort that resolves on its own within a few days, but it can also persist and indicate an underlying medical condition, such as laryngitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), allergies, respiratory infections, or vocal cord nodules or polyps. In some cases, hoarseness might be a symptom of more serious conditions, including throat or lung cancer.

    When an individual experiences hoarseness, it is often recommended to rest the voice, avoid excessive talking or yelling, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. In some cases, medications, voice therapy, or surgery may be necessary to address the underlying cause of the hoarseness. A visit to a healthcare professional or an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) is typically advised if hoarseness persists for an extended period or is associated with other concerning symptoms.

  2. Having a rough, harsh voice.

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

  3. Having a rough grating voice, as from a cold.

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

Top Common Misspellings for HOARSE *

* 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 HOARSE

Etymology of HOARSE

The word "hoarse" originated from the Old English word "hors", which means "coarse, rough" or "stubble". This term was used to describe a rough, harsh vocal sound. Over time, the "r" sound was added to the word, forming "horsr". Eventually, this pronunciation evolved into "hoarse" as we know it today, referring to a voice that is rough or harsh due to vocal strain or illness.

Idioms with the word HOARSE

  • scream yourself hoarse/silly The idiom "scream yourself hoarse/silly" refers to the act of shouting, screaming, or speaking loudly to the point where it strains or exhausts one's voice, often to the extent of losing it temporarily or feeling silly afterward. It implies excessive or prolonged vocal expression that leads to physical or emotional fatigue.
  • scream your head off, at scream yourself hoarse/silly The idiom "scream your head off," also known as "scream yourself hoarse/silly," refers to yelling or screaming intensely and excessively. It implies making very loud noises or expressing strong emotions, often to the point of losing one's voice or appearing foolish.
  • scream the place down, at scream yourself hoarse/silly The idiom "scream the place down" is similar in meaning to "scream yourself hoarse/silly." It refers to an act of shouting or screaming loudly and continuously, typically during a situation where it is unexpected, excessive, or unnecessary. It implies creating a significant amount of noise or commotion that may disrupt the surroundings or draw excessive attention. It can also suggest losing control of one's emotions or becoming overwhelmed by a situation, resulting in loud and prolonged vocal outbursts.
  • *hoarse as a crow The idiom "hoarse as a crow" means to have a rough or harsh-sounding voice, similar to the cawing of a crow.

Similar spelling words for HOARSE

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