The word "inkling" is spelled as /ˈɪŋklɪŋ/. The first syllable is pronounced as "ing" with a short "i" sound, while the second syllable is pronounced as "kling" with a soft "k" and a short "i" sound. This word refers to a slight hint or suggestion about something. It is important to spell this word correctly to avoid any confusion in written communication. By using the correct phonetic transcription, one can easily understand the correct way to pronounce and spell this word.
Inkling is a noun that refers to a slight or vague understanding or suspicion of something. It implies a subtle indication or hint about the existence or nature of something, although it may not be completely clear or well-defined. The word originates from the Middle English term "yenkle," which means a whisper or a hint. An inkling often represents the initial stage of perception or comprehension, serving as a premonition or a signpost that there is something more to be understood or discovered.
When someone has an inkling, they have a faint sense or intuition about a particular matter, even if they cannot fully grasp or articulate it. It suggests a glimpse of insight or a glimpse into the future that sparks curiosity or prompts further investigation. For example, a person might have an inkling that their friend is planning a surprise party based on their secretive behavior or the whispers they overheard.
An inkling can also be regarded as a hunch or a gut feeling, indicating a subconscious awareness or anticipation of something yet to be fully revealed. It often requires more information or evidence to be confirmed or solidified into a clear understanding or knowledge.
Overall, an inkling is a subtle notion or suspicion that awakens curiosity or uncertainty, laying the groundwork for deeper understanding or discovery.
A hint or whisper; an intimation.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word "inkling" is derived from the Old English word "yncle", which means "whisper" or "whispering", and is related to the Old Norse word "in-klingr" which means "intimation" or "suspicion". The term evolved to "incling" in Middle English, and eventually transformed into "inkling" in modern English. It originally referred to a vague idea or a subtle hint of something, typically conveyed through a whisper or a soft indication.