How Do You Spell LAM?

Pronunciation: [lˈam] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "lam" may seem confusing due to the silent "b" at the end. However, the IPA phonetic transcription for this word, /læm/, reveals that the "b" should not be pronounced. This word can be used as a verb to mean "to run away quickly" or as a noun to refer to a hasty escape. While the word's spelling may trip some up, its pronunciation is straightforward and easy to remember.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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LAM Meaning and Definition

  1. Lam is a verb that has several definitions depending on the context in which it is used. Its most common meaning refers to escaping or running away, often to avoid capture or punishment. In this sense, lam is synonymous with flee, bolt, or abscond. For example, someone might say, "The thief lammed from the scene of the crime before the police arrived."

    Lam can also mean to beat or strike forcefully. This usage is typically seen in informal or dialectal speech. For instance, one could say, "He lammed his opponent with a powerful punch, knocking him to the ground."

    Another less common definition of lam is to excessively criticize or condemn someone or something. In this context, it is often used in the phrase "lay into," as in "She really lammed into him for forgetting their anniversary."

    Additionally, lam has a noun form that refers to a sudden flight or getaway. It can also indicate an escape route or a hiding place used during such flight, as in "He found a convenient lam in an old abandoned barn."

    Overall, lam carries the connotation of sudden and swift movement, whether it relates to escape, physical force, or verbal attack.

Common Misspellings for LAM

Etymology of LAM

The word "lam" has multiple origins and meanings, depending on the context. Here are a few possible etymologies:

1. As a noun meaning "run away" or "escape":

- This sense of "lam" originated in American English in the early 19th century. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it possibly comes from the British slang term "lamister", which meant a hasty departure. Others suggest it may be related to the Yiddish word "lome" meaning "to flee".

2. As a verb meaning "to beat" or "to hit":

- This sense of "lam" originated in Irish English, where it derived from the Irish Gaelic word "lámh", which means "hand". Over time, "lam" evolved to mean a blow or strike with the hand.

Idioms with the word LAM

  • on the lam The idiom "on the lam" refers to a person who is evading capture or hiding from the authorities, especially after committing a crime or escaping from prison. It implies that the person is on the run and attempting to avoid being caught.
  • lam into (someone or an animal) The idiom "lam into (someone or an animal)" means to attack or assault someone or something fiercely and aggressively. It can be used both in a physical sense, where it implies physically attacking someone or something, or in a verbal sense, where it suggests vehemently criticizing or verbally assaulting someone.
  • take it on the lam The idiom "take it on the lam" means to escape or flee from a particular situation, often to avoid getting caught or to evade capture from the authorities. It implies a sense of quickly and discreetly running away, usually in an attempt to avoid the consequences of one's actions.
  • lam into (sm or an animal) The idiom "lam into" means to criticize, attack, or assault someone or something with great intensity or force. It implies a sudden and aggressive action toward the subject, whether it is a person or an animal.

Similar spelling words for LAM

Plural form of LAM is LAMS

Conjugate verb Lam

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have lammed
you would have lammed
he/she/it would have lammed
we would have lammed
they would have lammed
I would have lam
you would have lam
he/she/it would have lam
we would have lam
they would have lam

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

you lam
we let´s lam

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to lam

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

lammed

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I lam
you lam
he/she/it lams
we lam
they lam

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

lamming

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it lam

SIMPLE PAST

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

Infographic

Correct spelling for lam
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