How Do You Spell ANCHOR?

Pronunciation: [ˈankə] (IPA)

The word "anchor" is spelled with the letters A-N-C-H-O-R. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ˈæŋ.kər/. The first sound is the 'a' sound as in "cat", followed by the 'ng' sound, pronounced at the back of the throat. The third sound is the 'k' sound, followed by the schwa sound 'uh' and then the 'r' sound. This word is commonly used to refer to a heavy object used to keep a boat or ship from drifting away.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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ANCHOR Meaning and Definition

  1. An anchor can be defined as a heavy object, typically made of metal, that is attached to a rope or chain and dropped from a vessel to the waterbed beneath in order to restrain the movement of the vessel by gripping the bottom. It is primarily used to hold a ship or boat in a specific position, preventing it from drifting away due to wind, current, or waves. Typically, an anchor consists of a shank, flukes or arms, and a stock.

    In a figurative sense, "anchor" can also refer to something or someone serving as a stabilizing or supportive force. In this context, an anchor is symbolically seen as providing a sense of security, stability, or permanence. It acts as a point of reference or grounding that keeps one connected and steadfast.

    Additionally, "anchor" can relate to a person or entity occupying a central or prominent role within a particular field or domain. This individual or organization serves as a point of authority, expertise, or influence, often being relied upon for information, guidance, or inspiration.

    Overall, whether referring to a physical object, a symbolic concept, or a metaphorical representation, an anchor fundamentally represents a source of stability, support, and dependability.

  2. • An iron grappling instrument which, when dropped on the sea-bottom by means of a cable or chain, keeps a ship from drifting; any firm support.
    • To stop at; to fix or rest on.

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

Top Common Misspellings for ANCHOR *

* 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.

Other Common Misspellings for ANCHOR

Etymology of ANCHOR

The word "anchor" originated from the Old English word "ancor", which itself derived from the Latin word "ancora". This Latin term was borrowed from the Greek word "ankura", meaning "anchor". The Greek term most likely came from the verb "ankeein", which means "to hold fast" or "to bend". The concept of anchoring is to hold a vessel in place, and the word has retained its meaning throughout the centuries.

Idioms with the word ANCHOR

  • lie at anchor The idiom "lie at anchor" typically refers to a stationary ship or boat that is secured in position by dropping an anchor. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a period of rest, stability, or inactivity before taking further action or progressing towards a goal.
  • at anchor The idiom "at anchor" refers to a stationary or fixed position, often used to describe a ship or boat that is secured by dropping its anchor to prevent it from drifting away. It can also be used metaphorically to mean being settled, stable, or firmly established in a particular place or situation.
  • drop anchor The idiom "drop anchor" means to come to a halt or stop, often used figuratively to denote a pause or stop in progress, plans, or actions. It originally refers to the act of lowering an anchor from a ship to secure it in a fixed position.
  • drag anchor The idiom "drag anchor" refers to a nautical term that means the act of an anchored ship or boat being pulled or dragged across the water due to the anchor not holding firm. In a figurative sense, it is used to describe a person or situation that is not staying fixed, stable, or grounded, and is easily influenced or swayed by external factors.
  • ride at anchor The idiom "ride at anchor" typically refers to a stationary ship or boat that is secured by an anchor and not in active motion. It symbolizes a state of stability, rest, or waiting, often used figuratively to describe a person or situation that remains unchanged or stagnant for a period of time.
  • swallow the anchor The idiom "swallow the anchor" refers to the act of retiring from a life at sea or permanently leaving a nautical career. It is often used to describe someone who gives up their involvement in sailing, ships, or any maritime activities and settles down on land.
  • anchor-clanker The idiom "anchor-clanker" typically refers to someone who is excessively reliant on tradition, reluctant to change, or resistant to new ideas or innovations. It is often used to describe individuals who are unwilling to adapt and prefer to maintain the status quo.
  • boat anchor The idiom "boat anchor" refers to someone or something that is considered useless, cumbersome, or burdensome, much like an actual anchor would be on a boat outside of its intended function of providing stability. It often implies that the person or thing in question hinders progress, slows down productivity or efficiency, or is generally inept or unhelpful.
  • weigh anchor The idiom "weigh anchor" refers to the action of lifting or raising the anchor of a ship as a preparation for sailing or departure. It is often used metaphorically to mean starting a new journey or undertaking a new venture.
  • bring (one's) arse to an anchor This is a colloquial expression that means to come to a stop or to stay in one place, often used in a directive or commanding way. It can also refer to someone being told to sit down or be still.
  • bring (one's) ass to an anchor The idiom "bring (one's) ass to an anchor" means to come to a stop or stand still. It is often used informally and colloquially to command someone to cease their current actions and remain in one place or stop moving.

Similar spelling words for ANCHOR

Plural form of ANCHOR is ANCHORS

Conjugate verb Anchor

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have anchored
you would have anchored
he/she/it would have anchored
we would have anchored
they would have anchored
I would have anchor
you would have anchor
he/she/it would have anchor
we would have anchor
they would have anchor

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

you anchor
we let´s anchor

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to anchor

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

anchored

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I anchor
you anchor
he/she/it anchors
we anchor
they anchor

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

anchoring

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it anchor

SIMPLE PAST

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

Infographic

Correct spelling for anchor
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