Pronunciation: [mˈa͡ɪ͡əɹɪ] (IPA) 
The word "miry" is spelled with the letters M-I-R-Y. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ˈmaɪri/. The word is an adjective which means full of, or resembling, mud or swampy ground. It typically refers to a surface or terrain that is soft, wet, and difficult to pass through. The spelling of "miry" is likely derived from Middle English, where it was spelled as "miri" or "myry", and has since evolved to its present form.
The term "miry" is an adjective that describes something as being deep, soft, and boggy, particularly pertaining to land or soil. It refers to an area that is filled with mud or mire, making it difficult to traverse or walk upon. The word often evokes the image of a place that is wet, sticky, and messy due to an abundance of water or rain.
When applied to ground or terrain, "miry" indicates that the area is saturated with moisture, causing the ground to become unstable, slippery, and unsuitable for stable footing. It suggests that the land is heavily waterlogged, usually due to continuous rainfall or flooding.
The term "miry" can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation or circumstance that is treacherous, challenging, or morally corrupt. In this context, "miry" implies a figurative quagmire or dilemma that is difficult to comprehend, navigate or disentangle oneself from. It suggests being embroiled in a morally or ethically questionable situation which can be similar to being trapped in a figurative "mire" of confusion, uncertainty, or moral ambiguity.
Overall, the word "miry" denotes both a literal condition of being mired in mud or mire, and a figurative state of being entangled or caught in a problematic or murky situation.
• Covered with mire; muddy.
• See mire.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "miry" has its origins in the Middle English term "miri", which meant "pleasing" or "agreeable". This Middle English word came from the Old English word "myrige", which carried a similar meaning of "joyful" or "pleasant". Over time, the connotation of "myrige" shifted to refer to something that was soft, swampy, or muddy, and by the 14th century, it began to be used specifically to describe muddy or swampy places. This shift in meaning likely arose from the association of swampy areas with unpleasant or difficult conditions to navigate. Thus, the word "miry" evolved to describe something that is muddy, boggy, or mired in the context of English language.
