The word "merry" is spelled with six letters, and the IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈmɛri/. The initial sound /m/ is made with both lips closed, then opening them while pushing out air to produce the M sound. The /ɛ/ sound is pronounced by opening the mouth wide and allowing air to flow out, while making a sound with the tongue in the center of the mouth. The /r/ sound is made by pulling the tongue back towards the throat, while simultaneously vibrating it. The final /i/ sound is made by closing the mouth with the tongue touching the hard palate to produce the "ee" sound.
Merry is an adjective that describes someone or something as cheerful, joyful, or full of high spirits. It denotes a sense of happiness, gaiety, and mirth. When someone is merry, they are typically in a lighthearted and playful mood, often found laughing, smiling, or participating in social activities with enthusiasm.
This term is often associated with festive occasions or celebrations, such as during the holiday season or at gatherings where people come together to enjoy each other's company. Merry can be used to describe the atmosphere of these events, suggesting that they are filled with joy, merriment, and general delight.
Moreover, the word can also be used to describe a person's nature or disposition. A merry individual is characterized by their ability to find joy and amusement in various situations. Their positive outlook and ability to spread cheer can be contagious, making others around them feel happier.
In literature and poetry, the word merry is often used to describe a character or a scene that radiates happiness and vivacity. It has been employed to depict settings like feasts, dance halls, or lively gatherings, where laughter and good spirits abound.
Overall, merry is a term that signifies a state of happiness, exuberance, and good humor, capturing the essence of joyfulness and cheerfulness in various contexts.
Loudly cheerful; gay of heart; causing laughter or mirth; delightful.
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 "merry" originated from the Middle English "mery", which can be traced back to the Old English "myrge" or "meriġe". These Old English forms have Germanic roots, specifically originating from the West Germanic language family. The word eventually evolved into "merry" in Middle English and has remained quite similar throughout its history, both in terms of pronunciation and basic meaning.