The word "impede" is spelled with six letters and two syllables, pronounced as /ɪmˈpiːd/. It is a common verb that means to obstruct or hinder progress. The phonetic transcription of the word shows that it begins with the short "i" sound, followed by the "m" sound, then the long "ee" sound. The "d" at the end is pronounced slightly, but not completely, silent. Knowing the correct spelling of "impede" can improve one's writing and communication skills.
The verb "impede" refers to the act of hindering, obstructing, or blocking the progress, movement, or development of someone or something. When something obstructs or slows down the natural flow or forward movement of an action, impeding occurs. It involves creating obstacles, barriers, or restrictions that make it difficult for a particular activity or process to continue smoothly or reach its desired outcome.
Impede often entails the disruption of the regular functioning or progress of an individual, group, organization, or system. This can occur in various contexts, such as physical movement, communication, development, or achievement of goals.
The act of impeding can manifest in different ways, including physically obstructing a pathway, creating bureaucratic red tape or administrative hurdles, or deliberately slowing down a process. Factors such as physical objects, regulations, external circumstances, or even personal beliefs can impede progress.
Impeding is often seen as a negative action, as it limits potential growth or success. However, it can also serve as a necessary measure to ensure safety, security, or order. In such cases, it may be applied to regulate or moderate actions, particularly when they pose a threat or risk.
To summarize, impede refers to the act of obstructing or hampering the progress, movement, or development of someone or something, and it encompasses various hindrances, barriers, or restrictions that prevent smooth advancement towards a desired outcome.
To hinder; to stop progress.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word "impede" comes from the Latin verb "impedire", which is derived from the prefix "im-" (meaning "against" or "not") and the root "pes" (meaning "foot"). In Latin, "impedire" meant "to entangle the feet" or "to hinder". From Latin, it entered Middle English as "empeden", later evolving into its present form, "impede", which still carries a similar meaning of obstructing, hindering, or slowing down progress.