How Do You Spell JEREMIAD?

Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈɛɹəmˌɪad] (IPA)

Jeremiad (/ˌdʒɛrəˈmaɪəd/) is a word used to describe a lengthy lamentation or complaint. This word is derived from the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah who delivered extensive warnings and lamentations to the Israelites. The correct spelling of 'jeremiad' contains nine letters, beginning with 'j', followed by 'e', 'r', 'e', 'm', 'i', 'a', 'd', and ending with a silent 'd'. Correct pronunciation involves emphasis on the third syllable, as indicated by the primary stress symbol '/ˈmaɪ/' in the IPA transcription.

JEREMIAD Meaning and Definition

  1. A jeremiad is a noun that denotes a prolonged and passionate complaint or lamentation, often focusing on perceived moral decay, social injustices, or societal decline. This concept emerged from the biblical book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament, where the prophet Jeremiah delivered lamentations and prophecies of disaster to the people of Israel.

    In contemporary usage, a jeremiad typically refers to a written or spoken statement that strongly criticizes a particular situation, institution, or group of people. It often takes the form of a sermon or a lengthy harangue, in which the speaker expresses distress, indignation, and a sense of moral superiority. The individual delivering a jeremiad often appears pessimistic and conveys a prophecy of doom if the present course of action is not altered.

    A jeremiad may encompass a wide range of issues, such as political corruption, environmental degradation, cultural decline, economic inequalities, or the erosion of traditional values. It often relies on emotional appeals, appeals to authority, and moral arguments to persuade the audience and elicit a response. The purpose of a jeremiad is usually to rally support for a specific cause, prod people into taking action, or highlight the urgency of a situation.

    Overall, a jeremiad is a forceful and compelling rebuke that seeks to encourage societal introspection and change by passionately denouncing the perceived faults and injustices present in a community or society.

  2. A sad and desponding complaint or lamentation-so called from the Book of Lamentations of Jeremiah.

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

Common Misspellings for JEREMIAD

Etymology of JEREMIAD

The word "jeremiad" comes from the name Jeremiah, a Hebrew prophet from the Bible's Old Testament. In the Book of Jeremiah, the prophet delivers messages of impending doom and lamentations for the sins and moral decay of the Israelites. Over time, "jeremiad" has become a term used to describe a long, mournful, and often scathing speech or literary work that laments or criticizes society's moral decline or predicts its downfall.

Plural form of JEREMIAD is JEREMIADS

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