How Do You Spell MIRTHLESS?

Pronunciation: [mˈɜːθləs] (IPA)

Mirthless is an adjective used to describe something that is lacking joy or amusement. The word is spelled /ˈmərθləs/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The 'm' sound is followed by a schwa sound and finally the 'r' is pronounced with a silent 'e' at the end. The 'th' in 'mirth' is pronounced with a voiced dental fricative /ð/ while the 'less' at the end is pronounced with a voiceless alveolar fricative /ləs/. When spoken, mirthless sounds like "murth-ləs".

MIRTHLESS Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "mirthless" is an adjective that describes a state or condition lacking in mirth, joy, or amusement. It typically refers to an absence of laughter, happiness, or cheerfulness, conveying a sense of gloom, seriousness, or disappointment.

    Mirthlessness suggests the absence of any joyous or lighthearted emotions, often manifesting as a somber demeanor or a lack of enthusiasm. It may describe a situation, event, or person that fails to evoke any positive feelings or amusement. A mirthless joke, for example, would be one that does not elicit laughter or amusement from its audience.

    The term can also be employed to characterize someone's personality. A mirthless individual exhibits a lack of joviality, and their disposition may be seen as serious, glum, or detached. They may struggle to appreciate humor or find it difficult to crack a smile, rarely expressing any form of merriment or happiness.

    Alternatively, "mirthless" can describe a narrative or creative work that lacks humor or comedic elements, often leaning towards a more serious, dark, or melancholic tone. A mirthless story or film may focus on bleak subject matters or themes, evoking a sense of sadness, solemnity, or disappointment instead of laughter or amusement.

    Overall, "mirthless" implies an absence or dearth of joy, laughter, and amusement, whether referring to situations, individuals, or creative works.

  2. Without mirth.

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

Common Misspellings for MIRTHLESS

Etymology of MIRTHLESS

The word "mirthless" originated from the combination of two Old English words: "myrgð" (meaning joy or mirth) and the suffix "-less" (indicating lack or absence). "Myrgð" itself is derived from the Old English verb "myrgan" (to enjoy, delight, or make merry). Over time, "myrgð" transformed into "mirth" in Middle English and eventually developed "mirthless" to describe something without joy, amusement, or merriment.

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