How Do You Spell WARD?

Pronunciation: [wˈɔːd] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "ward" is quite unique. It consists of only four letters yet has two different pronunciations. When referring to a type of administrative division, "ward" is pronounced as /wɔːrd/. However, when used in terms of guarding or protecting, it is pronounced as /wɑːrd/. This difference in pronunciation is due to the fact that the two meanings have different origins in the English language. The former comes from Old English, while the latter is from Middle English. Such variations in pronunciation and spelling make English language learning quite challenging.

WARD Meaning and Definition

  1. Ward has several meanings depending on the context in which it is used. As a noun, ward primarily refers to a person, group, or area that is under the protection or supervision of someone else. This can be seen in legal terms such as a "ward of the state," referring to a person, typically a child, who is assigned to the care and control of a particular authority figure or institution. In medical terminology, ward can refer to a division within a hospital where patients requiring similar medical attention are situated.

    Another meaning of ward is a district or administrative division within a municipality, usually represented by an elected official known as a "ward councillor." In this sense, a ward is often used to refer to a smaller region or constituency within a larger city, town, or township.

    As a verb, ward can mean to guard or protect against danger or harm. It refers to the act of taking precautions or measures to ensure safety. For example, one might ward off evil spirits or ward against illness by employing specific rituals or using protective objects.

    Additionally, ward can also be used as a verb to describe the act of keeping someone in a particular place, such as warding a patient in a hospital. It implies a duty of care and responsibility towards the person being kept under supervision.

  2. • To keep in safety; to watch; to repel; to turn aside anything mischievous.
    • Watch; guard made by a weapon in fencing; a stronghold; a certain division of a town or city; confinement under guard; a person under age committed to the ward or care of a guardian.

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

Top Common Misspellings for WARD *

* 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 WARD

Etymology of WARD

The word "ward" has a complex etymology with multiple origins.

One origin can be traced back to the Old English word "weard", which means "guard" or "protector". This Old English word itself has Germanic roots and is derived from the Gothic word "wardja" and the Old Norse word "varðr".

Another origin of "ward" comes from the Old English word "wearde", meaning "area under the jurisdiction of a guard" or "watchman". This term shares its roots with the Old High German word "warta" and the Old Norse word "varða", both with similar meanings.

Furthermore, "ward" also has Latin origins. The Latin word "warda" means "guard" or "watch", and it is linked to the Old French term "warder", meaning "to guard" or "to watch over".

Idioms with the word WARD

  • press on(ward) The idiom "press on(ward)" means to continue or persevere with determination and courage, despite facing difficulties or obstacles. It implies the action of moving forward, making progress, and not giving up.
  • ward sm or sth off The idiom "ward off" means to prevent or protect oneself from something dangerous, harmful, or unwanted. It implies taking action to avoid or keep away threats, harm, or negative outcomes.
  • predispose sm or sth to(ward) sth The idiom "predispose someone or something to(ward) something" means to make someone or something more likely or inclined to have a certain characteristic, tendency, or outcome. It suggests a tendency or inclination that is influenced by certain factors or circumstances.
  • ward off sb/sth The idiom "ward off sb/sth" means to take action to prevent someone or something from approaching, entering, or affecting a specific situation or condition. It refers to a defensive measure or act to keep someone or something away or at bay.
  • advance to(ward) sm or sth The idiom "advance to(ward) sm or sth" means to move or progress towards someone or something, often in a deliberate and purposeful manner. It implies making progress or moving forward in a specific direction, whether physically or metaphorically.
  • gravitate to(ward) sm or sth The idiom "gravitate to(ward) someone or something" means to be naturally drawn or inclined towards someone or something. It implies a strong attraction, interest, or preference for a particular person or thing, often without conscious effort or rational reasoning.
  • direct sth to(ward) sm or sth The idiom "direct something to (ward) someone or something" means to aim or address something specifically to a particular person or thing. It implies giving focused attention or guidance towards a specific target.
  • *well disposed to(ward) someone or something To be well disposed toward someone or something means to have a favorable or friendly attitude or opinion towards them. It implies being inclined to view the person or thing in a positive light and have a willingness to help or support them.
  • advance to(ward) someone or something To move closer to someone or something; to approach or progress towards a particular person or thing.
  • direct something to(ward) someone or something To send, aim, or address something specifically towards a particular person or thing.

Similar spelling words for WARD

Plural form of WARD is WARDS

Conjugate verb Ward

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have warded
you would have warded
he/she/it would have warded
we would have warded
they would have warded
I would have ward
you would have ward
he/she/it would have ward
we would have ward
they would have ward

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

you ward
we let´s ward

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to ward

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

warded

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I ward
you ward
he/she/it wards
we ward
they ward

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

warding

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it ward

SIMPLE PAST

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