How Do You Spell LILYWHITE?

Pronunciation: [lˈɪlɪwˌa͡ɪt] (IPA)

The word "lilywhite" is spelled with two common spelling patterns of the English language. The "lily" part follows a common spelling pattern of a single "l" followed by "i" and "y." The "white" part follows a spelling pattern of a single "w" followed by "h," "i," "t," and "e." The IPA phonetic transcription for "lilywhite" is /ˈlɪliˌwaɪt/. This demonstrates that the stress is on the first syllable with a long "i" sound in "lily" and a short "i" sound in "white."

LILYWHITE Meaning and Definition

1. Lilywhite is an adjective that originated from the combination of "lily" and "white." It is used to describe someone or something that is exceptionally pure, innocent, or virtuous. The term draws its inspiration from the lily flower, which is often associated with qualities like purity, beauty, and cleanliness.

   When applied to a person, lilywhite suggests that they exhibit a high level of moral integrity, righteousness, or graciousness. Such individuals are often perceived as being morally untarnished, with impeccable character and behavior. The term can also imply innocence or naivety, indicating a lack of knowledge or experience in certain worldly or immoral matters.

   Lilywhite can also be extended to describe certain institutions, organizations, or practices that are considered to be morally unsullied, ethical, or principled. For instance, one might use the term to describe an organization that strictly follows moral or ethical guidelines, thereby fostering a virtuous environment.

   In a broader context, lilywhite can also be employed metaphorically to refer to something that is pristine, immaculate, or flawless in appearance. It embodies the idea of being unblemished, pure, or without any negative traits or characteristics.

   Overall, the term lilywhite encapsulates the notion of purity, innocence, and moral uprightness in both individuals and objects.

Common Misspellings for LILYWHITE

• lily-whit
• lilly-white
• kilywhite
• pilywhite
• oilywhite
• lulywhite
• ljlywhite
• lklywhite
• lolywhite
• l9lywhite
• l8lywhite
• likywhite
• lipywhite
• lioywhite
• lilgwhite
• lilhwhite
• liluwhite
• lil7white
• lil6white
• lilyqhite

Etymology of LILYWHITE

The word "lilywhite" can be dissected into two parts based on its etymology.

The first part, "lily", refers to the flower of the lily plant. Lilies are known for their pure white color and have long been associated with purity, innocence, and beauty. The word "lily" originated from the Old English word "lilie", which came from the Latin word "lilium".

The second part, "white", relates to the color white. In various cultures and languages, white is often associated with purity, cleanliness, and virtue. The word "white" is derived from the Old English word "hwīt", which also has Germanic and Indo-European roots.

Therefore, "lilywhite" evokes the image of something completely white, as white as a lily.

Idioms with the word LILYWHITE

• lilywhite The idiom "lilywhite" refers to something that is pure, innocent, or having no stain or blemish. It can also refer to someone who is morally upright or virtuous.