How Do You Spell RIVER?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈɪvə] (IPA)

The word "river" is spelled as /ˈrɪvər/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced as "ri" with a short "i" sound, while the second syllable is pronounced as "ver" with a schwa sound. The letter "r" in both syllables is pronounced as a voiced alveolar approximant. The spelling of "river" can be traced back to its Old English roots, where it was spelled as "riuer" and "reofor." It is a common word in everyday language and has many connotations, ranging from natural waterways to metaphorical currents.

Meaning and Definition
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Etymology
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RIVER Meaning and Definition

  1. A river is a natural flowing watercourse, typically freshwater, that moves towards an ocean, sea, lake, or another river. It is a permanent or intermittent stream of water that stretches over an elongated channel or bed and is surrounded by banks or shores. Rivers are a fundamental part of the Earth's hydrological cycle, constantly replenishing the water supply through precipitation, runoff, and groundwater seepage.

    Rivers play a crucial role in shaping the landscape, eroding rocks, and depositing sediment as they flow. They create distinct landforms such as valleys, gorges, and canyons. The flow of a river is determined by a combination of factors such as gravity, slope, volume of water, and resistance from the riverbed and banks.

    Rivers have been essential for human civilizations throughout history, serving as transportation routes for trade, travel, and communication. They provide water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes, making them critical for human survival and economic development. Moreover, rivers support diverse ecosystems, hosting a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial plants and animals.

    Rivers vary in size and characteristics, from small, shallow streams to massive, mighty waterways. Some of the world's most famous rivers include the Nile, Amazon, Mississippi, Yangtze, and Danube. Rivers possess immense cultural, economic, and ecological significance, making them a subject of scientific study, conservation efforts, and recreational opportunities like fishing, boating, and river rafting.

  2. • One who rives.
    • A stream flowing in a channel into another river, into the ocean, or into a lake or sea; a copious flow; abundance.

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

Top Common Misspellings for RIVER *

* 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 RIVER

Etymology of RIVER

The word "river" has an English origin and can be traced back to the Old English word "riwer" which shares similarities with the Old Frisian word "rivar" and the Old Norse word "fljótr". These terms ultimately come from the Proto-Germanic word "*reibō" which originally meant "to run, flow". It is also believed to be related to the Latin word "ripa" which means "bank" or "shore".

Idioms with the word RIVER

  • up the river The idiom "up the river" has a few different meanings depending on the context. Here are a few possible definitions: 1. In prison: This phrase often refers to being incarcerated or serving a prison sentence. It originated from the idea of being taken up the river to a penitentiary located away from the city or town. Example: "He's been convicted of robbery and will be going up the river for five years." 2. Going against the current: Another meaning of "up the river" is to go against the flow or against what is expected or usual. It can imply going against popular opinion or making things difficult for oneself by choosing a different path. Example: "She decided to start her own business, swimming up the
  • send up the river To "send up the river" is an idiomatic expression that refers to sending someone to prison, specifically to a federal penitentiary or a maximum-security institution. It implies the act of incarcerating or imposing a lengthy sentence on an individual for their criminal activities or wrongdoing.
  • sell down the river The idiom "sell down the river" means to betray or deceive someone, usually for personal gains or benefits, often resulting in significant harm or disadvantage to the other party.
  • send sm up the river The idiom "send someone up the river" typically means to cause someone to be sentenced to a long imprisonment or to be outmaneuvered or deceived in a significant way.
  • sail up a river The idiom "sail up a river" refers to a situation where someone is encountering a challenging or difficult task. It means to go against the natural flow or opposition, often facing adverse circumstances or obstacles that make the progress or achievement of a goal particularly difficult.
  • cry (someone) a river The idiom "cry (someone) a river" means to express exaggerated or insincere sympathy towards someone's sorrow or misfortune. It implies that the person offering comfort or support is being overly dramatic or insincere in their response.
  • sell somebody down the river The idiom "sell somebody down the river" means to betray or deceive someone, typically for personal gain or advantage. It refers to the act of intentionally putting someone in a difficult or disadvantageous situation for one's own benefit.
  • sell sb down the river The idiom "sell someone down the river" means to betray or deceive someone, usually by sacrificing their interests for personal gain or advantage.
  • Don't change horses in the middle of the river. This idiom means not to make a new decision or change plans before completing what has already been started. It is wise to stick with your original plan or decision until it is completed, rather than changing course halfway through.
  • Don't swap horses in the middle of the river. This idiom means that one should not change plans or actions in the middle of carrying them out. It advises against making impulsive decisions or changing course when one is already committed to a certain path or action. It is often used to encourage perseverance and consistency in one's actions.

Similar spelling words for RIVER

Plural form of RIVER is RIVERS

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