How Do You Spell IMP?

Pronunciation: [ˈɪmp] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "imp" may seem straightforward, but its pronunciation is trickier. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ɪmp/. The "i" is pronounced as a short "ih" sound, while the "m" is pronounced as a normal "m" sound. This three-letter word refers to a mischievous or troublesome child or creature, often described as a devilish or supernatural being. So, next time you see or hear the word "imp," remember to pronounce it as /ɪmp/.

IMP Meaning and Definition

  1. An imp is a mythical creature characterized as a small, mischievous and often malevolent being. Typically found in folklore and fairy tales, an imp's appearance may vary, but they are often depicted as small, human-like creatures with pointed ears, horns, and sometimes small wings. They are known for their cunning nature, leading them to play tricks and practical jokes on humans and other creatures, often causing mischief and minor disruptions.

    Imps are believed to possess magical abilities and are associated with witchcraft and sorcery. Historically, they were considered to be minor demons or evil spirits that could be summoned or employed by witches for the purpose of carrying out their wicked deeds. Sometimes, an imp is portrayed as a shape-shifter, able to assume various forms to deceive its victims.

    The term "imp" has also been used metaphorically to describe someone, especially a child, who is mischievous, playful, or full of energy. In this sense, it highlights a person's lively and sometimes troublesome character, emphasizing their tendency to engage in pranks or practical jokes.

    Overall, an imp signifies a small supernatural creature known for its trickery and mischievous behavior, often associated with legends and folklore, as well as a lively and playful individual who enjoys causing harmless chaos.

  2. • A scion; a shoot; a child; generally in a bad sense, as an imp of hell; a little devil.
    • To graft; to lengthen or extend.

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

Top Common Misspellings for IMP *

* 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 IMP

Etymology of IMP

The word "imp" has an interesting etymology. It originated in Middle English around the late 14th century. Its earliest known form was "ympe", which derived from Old English "impa" meaning "young shoot, graft". The word was used specifically to describe a young tree or plant that is transplanted or grafted onto another. The sense of the word gradually expanded in the 15th century to include other forms of grafting or imposition.

By the late 16th century, "imp" took on a new meaning as a noun to describe a child, specifically a young child or offspring of the devil. This association arose from the belief in medieval folklore that demons or evil spirits could have offspring with humans. These offspring were referred to as "imps". Over time, the term "imp" became more broadly used to describe mischievous or rascally children.

Idioms with the word IMP

  • you little imp The idiom "you little imp" is a playful expression or term of endearment used to describe someone, often a child or mischievous person, who is mischievous, lively, or behaves in a playful or teasing manner. It can imply a sense of delight, often with a touch of affectionate teasing.

Similar spelling words for IMP

Plural form of IMP is IMPS

Conjugate verb Imp

CONDITIONAL

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

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

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

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

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

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

you imp
we let´s imp

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to imp

PAST

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

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

imped

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I imp
you imp
he/she/it imps
we imp
they imp

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

imping

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

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