The word "ire" is spelled with three letters, but its pronunciation can be tricky for some. IPA phonetic transcription shows that "ire" is pronounced as /aɪər/. This means that the vowel sound is a combination of the long "i" and schwa sound. The "r" at the end is also pronounced, therefore it's important to not drop the final consonant. "Ire" is not only an uncommon word, but its unique spelling and pronunciation make it all the more fascinating.
Ire is a noun that refers to intense anger or wrath. It represents a strong emotional reaction typically triggered by feelings of injustice, frustration, or offense. When someone is filled with ire, they experience a heightened state of anger that can be accompanied by a desire for retaliation or retribution. The term carries a connotation of fury and is often associated with a loss of self-control or a sense of rage.
Ire can manifest itself in both personal and societal contexts. On an individual level, it can be a response to personal grievances or perceived mistreatment. In a wider scope, it can describe collective anger within a society or community towards a particular issue or situation. This shared ire may fuel protests, demonstrations, or other forms of collective action aimed at rectifying perceived injustices.
The term is derived from the Old English word "īr," meaning anger. Over time, it has come to be associated with a particularly intense and volatile form of anger. Synonyms for ire include rage, fury, wrath, indignation, and outrage. It is worth noting that ire is often used in a more formal or literary context, conveying a sense of strong emotional fervor in a manner that may be distinct from more colloquial terms for anger.
Aanger; wrath.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word ire is derived from the Old French word ire, which can be traced back to the Latin word ira. The Latin term ira also meant anger or wrath.