How Do You Spell ROW?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈə͡ʊ] (IPA)

The word "row" has a peculiar spelling because it can have two different pronunciations depending on its context. When the word means a line of things arranged side by side, it is pronounced as /rəʊ/ with a long o sound. For example, "I will plant these flowers in a row." However, when the word means a noisy argument or a fight, it is pronounced as /raʊ/ with an ow sound. For example, "I had a row with my neighbor over the noise." The correct pronunciation is determined by the meaning of the word in a particular sentence.

ROW Meaning and Definition

  1. Row can be defined as a noun or a verb with multiple meanings.

    As a noun, a row refers to a line of things, people, or objects placed side by side or in a straight line. It can also indicate a series of objects arranged in a linear fashion, such as seats in a theater, beds in a dormitory, or houses in a street. Furthermore, a row can denote a noisy or angry dispute or quarrel between individuals or groups, often involving heated arguments or shouting.

    As a verb, row commonly refers to the action of propelling a boat or other watercraft using oars. It involves moving a vessel through water by alternately pulling the oars through the water and then bringing them back to their original position. Additionally, row can mean to engage in or participate in a rowing race or competition, either for recreational or professional purposes.

    In broader contexts, the term row can also have specialized meanings in different fields. In computer science, row refers to a horizontal line of data in a spreadsheet or database. In mathematics, a row often denotes a horizontal sequence of numbers or elements arranged in a matrix or table.

    Overall, the term row encompasses various definitions depending on its context, encompassing notions of linearity, argumentation, boat propulsion, and data organization.

  2. • To propel with oars, as a boat; to labour with the oar.
    • An excursion in a boat with oars.
    • A line; a file; a series of persons or things placed in a straight line; a line of houses; a street.
    • A noisy disturbance; a riotous noise; a broil; a tumult.
    • To scold noisily.

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

Top Common Misspellings for ROW *

* 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 ROW

Etymology of ROW

The word "row" has multiple origins and various meanings, so it has different etymologies depending on the context.

1. As a noun referring to a line or series of things or people, the origin of "row" goes back to Old English. It is derived from the Old English word "rāw" or "rāu", which means a line or a row. This Old English word is related to the Old High German word "rīha", meaning a row or procession.

2. As a noun referring to a noisy disturbance or quarrel, "row" also has Old English origins. It comes from the Old English word "rāw", which meant turmoil, uproar, or a fight.

3. As a verb meaning to argue or engage in a noisy dispute, the word "row" comes from the same Old English source mentioned above, "rāw".

Idioms with the word ROW

  • skid row The idiom "skid row" refers to a dilapidated and impoverished area within a city where people suffering from poverty, addiction, or homelessness typically dwell. It is often associated with places characterized by despair, crime, and destitution.
  • have your ducks in a row The idiom "have your ducks in a row" means to be well-prepared or well-organized before taking action or making a decision. It refers to having all necessary details, plans, or resources in order before proceeding with a task or goal.
  • a hard row to hoe The idiom "a hard row to hoe" means having a difficult or challenging task or situation to deal with. It originated from the image of a farmer trying to manually till or cultivate a field with tough soil, which requires significant effort and perseverance.
  • kick up a fuss/row/stink The idiom "kick up a fuss/row/stink" means to create a commotion or to cause trouble by expressing strong objections or complaints about something. It refers to behaving in a confrontational or agitated manner in order to draw attention to an issue or to demand that things be done differently.
  • have (or get) one's ducks in a row The idiom "have (or get) one's ducks in a row" means to be well-organized or prepared, and to have everything in the right order or arrangement. It refers to being ready and having all necessary plans, tasks, or details properly sorted out before taking action or making decisions.
  • in a row The idiom "in a row" refers to things being consecutive, one after another, without any interruptions or breaks in between. It indicates that something has occurred or happened continuously or sequentially for a specific number of times.
  • get one's ducks in a row The idiom "get one's ducks in a row" refers to the act of organizing or arranging things in a proper or orderly manner in preparation for a task, event, or situation. It implies that someone is ensuring that all necessary details or elements are in place and well-prepared before proceeding with something.
  • hard row to hoe The idiom "hard row to hoe" means to have a difficult and challenging task or situation to deal with. It refers to the arduous work of hoeing a field or garden, where the soil is often dense and full of obstacles, requiring significant effort and persistence. Thus, when someone says they have a hard row to hoe, they mean they have a daunting and demanding task ahead that will require great effort and perseverance.
  • blazing row The idiom "blazing row" refers to a heated argument or intense quarrel between individuals, characterized by raised voices, strong emotions, and a lack of restraint.
  • get/have your ducks in a row The idiom "get/have your ducks in a row" means to be well-prepared, organized, or have everything in the correct order for a particular task or situation. It refers to the behavior of ducks when they swim in a straight line, following one another in an orderly manner, symbolizing the need for being methodical and having a plan to achieve success.
  • have (one's) ducks in a row The idiom "have (one's) ducks in a row" means to be well-organized, prepared, and having everything in the correct order or arrangement. It refers to having all necessary details or tasks sorted out and being ready to proceed efficiently and effectively.
  • a long row to hoe The idiom "a long row to hoe" means having a difficult or challenging task ahead, often involving a lot of hard work and dedication. It is often used to describe a situation that will require sustained effort and perseverance to achieve the desired result. The phrase derives from the agricultural practice of hoeing rows in a field, which can be arduous and time-consuming, emphasizing the idea of a daunting undertaking.
  • tough row to hoe A "tough row to hoe" is an idiomatic expression that means a difficult or challenging task or situation that requires a lot of effort, patience, or perseverance to overcome or accomplish. The phrase originated from the agricultural practice of cultivating crops, where a row (narrow plot of land) that is tough to hoe (difficult to dig or cultivate) symbolizes a challenging and laborious task.
  • get ducks in a row The idiom "get ducks in a row" means to organize or arrange things in an orderly manner, especially when preparing for a task or event. It often implies the need to ensure that all necessary details, plans, or resources are in place before proceeding with a particular endeavor.
  • get your ducks in a row "Get your ducks in a row" is an idiom that means to get organized or prepared before proceeding with a task or plan. It implies putting things in proper order or alignment to ensure an efficient and successful outcome. Just like ducks marching one behind the other in a neat row, it suggests arranging various elements or tasks in a logical sequence.
  • on skid row The idiom "on skid row" typically refers to a state of extreme poverty or destitution. It is used to describe someone who is living or struggling in a dilapidated area known for its impoverished conditions and social issues. The term originally referred to the area of a town or city where loggers would skid logs down to the river for transportation, often known for its poor and rough conditions. Over time, "skid row" became synonymous with neglected and impoverished neighborhoods.
  • skid row bum The idiom "skid row bum" refers to a person who is homeless, destitute, and living in extreme poverty. It conveys the idea of someone who has hit rock bottom, often associated with substance abuse or addiction issues, and has lost their support system and place in society.
  • row back The idiom "row back" means to retract or reconsider a statement, decision, or action that was previously made, especially when it was unpopular or caused disagreement. It implies admitting an error or changing one's mind in order to rectify a situation and find a resolution.
  • kick up a row The definition of the idiom "kick up a row" is to cause a loud or angry disruption or commotion, typically as a result of expressing strong displeasure or disagreement about something. It refers to someone becoming vocal, assertive, or confrontational in expressing their dissatisfaction or objection to a situation.
  • a tough row to hoe The idiom "a tough row to hoe" refers to a challenging or difficult task or situation that requires a lot of effort, persistence, and hard work. It originates from the image of a farmer hoeing a field, indicating that the work is arduous and demanding.
  • row (sm or sth) out to sth The idiom "row (someone or something) out to (something)" means to transport or take someone or something by rowing a boat to a particular destination or location. It suggests the act of physically propelling a boat through rowing in order to reach a specific place, such as an island or shore.
  • hoe one's own row The idiom "hoe one's own row" means to mind one's own business or to focus on one's own tasks and responsibilities without interfering in others' affairs. It implies working diligently and taking care of one's own work without getting involved in unnecessary distractions or conflicts.
  • get/have (all) your ducks in a row The idiom "get/have (all) your ducks in a row" means to have everything well-organized, prepared, or arranged in a systematic manner. It refers to being well-prepared and ready for a task or situation. Just like ducks lined up in a row, it conveys the idea of having a clear order and being in control of the situation.
  • a hard (or tough) row to hoe The idiom "a hard (or tough) row to hoe" refers to a difficult and challenging task or situation that requires much effort and perseverance to overcome or accomplish. It often conveys the idea of facing numerous obstacles or struggles along the way. The phrase originates from the metaphorical comparison to the laborious and demanding task of manually tending to a field or garden by breaking up the soil and removing weeds, known as hoeing a row.
  • a hard/tough row to hoe The idiom "a hard/tough row to hoe" is used to describe a challenging or difficult task or situation. It originated from the agricultural practice of hoeing rows in a field to prepare it for planting, which requires a significant amount of effort and perseverance. The idiom implies that the task at hand will require dedication, resilience, and hard work to accomplish.
  • kick up a fuss, row, etc. The idiom "kick up a fuss, row, etc." means to cause a disturbance or create a scene by expressing strong feelings of anger, frustration, or annoyance about something.

Similar spelling words for ROW

Plural form of ROW is ROWS

Conjugate verb Row

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have rowed
you would have rowed
he/she/it would have rowed
we would have rowed
they would have rowed

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

we Let´s row

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

rowed

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I row
you row
he/she/it rows
we row
they row

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

rowing

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it row

SIMPLE PAST

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

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