How Do You Spell IDLE?

Pronunciation: [ˈa͡ɪdə͡l] (IPA)

The word "idle" is spelled with the letters i-d-l-e, with the "i" pronounced as /aɪ/ and the "d" pronounced as /d/. The second syllable is pronounced as /əl/, which sounds like "uhl." The final letter "e" is silent and serves only to mark the long vowel sound in the previous syllable. The word's meaning refers to being inactive, lazy or not engaged in work or activity. It can also describe a machine or engine that is not operating.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Conjugate verb
Basic Check Advanced Check

IDLE Meaning and Definition

  1. Idle (adjective) is used to describe a person, machine, or action that is not active, not engaged in work, or not producing any results. It signifies a state of inactivity, laziness, or lack of purpose.

    When applied to a person, idle refers to someone who is doing nothing or engaging in unproductive activities. Such an individual may be simply wasting time instead of being occupied with useful or meaningful tasks. They may show a lack of motivation, ambition, or drive.

    In the context of machines, idle denotes a state of rest or inoperation. Machines that are idle are not currently being used, running, or performing any specific tasks.

    The adjective idle also describes an action that is deemed purposeless or unnecessary. It suggests that the action does not serve any useful function, and it may imply an element of frivolity or irrelevance.

    Additionally, idle can also function as a verb, indicating the act of doing nothing or remaining inactive. For example, someone might "idle away their time" by engaging in unproductive or aimless activities.

    Overall, idle refers to a state of inactivity or unproductiveness, whether it be in relation to a person, machine, or action. It conveys the notion of a lack of purpose, energy, or usefulness.

  2. • Not employed; averse to labour; vain; useless; frivolous; unprofitable.
    • To lose or spend time.

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

Top Common Misspellings for IDLE *

* 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 IDLE

Etymology of IDLE

The word "idle" originated from the Old English word "īdel", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*idlaz". This Proto-Germanic word denotes "empty" or "useless". The Old English "īdel" carried similar meanings, referring to a state of being inactive, unoccupied, or not engaged in any work. Over time, the word "idle" slightly evolved in its spelling and pronunciation, but its core meaning has remained relatively consistent throughout its history.

Idioms with the word IDLE

  • idle brain is the devil's workshop The idiom "idle brain is the devil's workshop" means that when a person has nothing productive to do, they are more likely to engage in negative or harmful activities. It emphasizes the idea that being idle or having too much free time can lead to trouble or mischief.
  • idle hands are the devil’s tools The idiom "idle hands are the devil's tools" means that when a person is not occupied or productive, they are more likely to get into trouble or engage in mischief. It suggests that keeping oneself busy and occupied prevents one from engaging in negative or harmful activities.
  • bone idle The idiom "bone idle" means extremely lazy or lacking any motivation or drive to work or do something productive.
  • Idle people have the least leisure. The idiom "Idle people have the least leisure" means that those who have the most free time are often the ones who waste it and end up with the least productive or enjoyable experiences. It suggests that people who are inactive or negligent with their time are unlikely to make the most out of their opportunities for leisure or fulfillment.
  • idle about The idiom "idle about" means to spend time doing nothing productive, remaining inactive, or engaging in aimless and unproductive activities. It implies wasting time in a leisurely or unproductive manner, often without a clear purpose or goal.
  • the devil finds work for idle hands The idiom "the devil finds work for idle hands" suggests that when someone has nothing to do or is idle, they are more likely to engage in mischief, trouble, or immoral activities. It implies that staying busy and productive is a way to prevent falling into negative or harmful activities.
  • idle hands are the devil's playthings The idiom "idle hands are the devil's playthings" is commonly used to convey the idea that when people have nothing to do or are not engaged in productive activities, they are more likely to get into trouble or engage in mischief. The phrase implies that being idle or lacking purpose can lead one to engage in negative or harmful behavior.
  • idle hands are the devil's tools The idiom "idle hands are the devil's tools" means that when a person has nothing productive to do or is not occupied with useful tasks, they are more likely to engage in mischievous or harmful activities. The phrase suggests that being unoccupied can lead individuals to behave in a way that is harmful or morally questionable.
  • be bone idle The idiom "be bone idle" means to be extremely lazy or idle, exhibiting a complete lack of motivation or effort.
  • the devil finds work for idle hands to do The idiom "the devil finds work for idle hands to do" means that when a person has nothing productive or engaging to do, they are more likely to get into trouble or engage in mischief. It suggests that idleness or boredom can lead to negative or undesirable behavior.
  • idle away The idiom "idle away" means to waste or spend time in a purposeless or unproductive manner. It implies engaging in activities that do not contribute to any meaningful accomplishment or goal.
  • devil finds work for idle hands to do The idiom "devil finds work for idle hands to do" is a proverbial expression that means when a person has free time or lacks productive activities, they are more likely to engage in mischief, mischief-making, or other kinds of wrongdoing. It suggests that keeping oneself busy with constructive tasks and activities helps prevent getting into trouble or engaging in negative behaviors.
  • idle something away The idiom "idle something away" means to waste or spend time in a purposeless or unproductive manner. It refers to the act of squandering or using time in a careless or unconstructive way, often without achieving anything meaningful or valuable.
  • idle sth away To "idle something away" means to spend or waste time aimlessly or unproductively, usually in a leisurely or idle manner. It implies not utilizing the time effectively or engaging in activities without purpose or accomplishment.
  • idle hands are the devil's workshop The idiom "idle hands are the devil's workshop" means that when people have nothing constructive or purposeful to do, they are more likely to engage in negative or sinful activities. It suggests that boredom or lack of occupation can lead people towards trouble or mischief.
  • the devil makes work for idle hands The idiom "the devil makes work for idle hands" means that when a person has nothing productive to do or is unoccupied, they are more likely to engage in mischief, misbehavior, or other negative activities. It suggests that staying engaged and busy with constructive tasks is important for resisting temptation and avoiding trouble.

Similar spelling words for IDLE

Conjugate verb Idle

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have idled
you would have idled
he/she/it would have idled
we would have idled
they would have idled
I would have idle
you would have idle
he/she/it would have idle
we would have idle
they would have idle

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

you idle
we let´s idle

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to idle

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

idled

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I idle
you idle
he/she/it idles
we idle
they idle

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

idling

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it idle

SIMPLE PAST

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

Infographic

Correct spelling for idle
Add the infographic to your website: