How Do You Spell MISERLY?

Pronunciation: [mˈa͡ɪzəli] (IPA)

The word "miserly" is spelled with an "s" despite the fact that it sounds like it should be spelled with a "z" as in "misery". This is due to the original pronunciation of the word in Old French, which was spelt "miserable" with an "s". Over time, the pronunciation shifted but the spelling remained unchanged. According to IPA phonetic transcription, "miserly" is pronounced /ˈmɪzəli/. So, despite its misleading spelling, "miserly" should always be written with an "s".

MISERLY Meaning and Definition

1. Miserly is an adjective that describes someone who is excessively frugal or stingy with their money or possessions. A miserly individual has a strong inclination to save money and often shows reluctance or resistance in spending it, even on necessities. They may exhibit behaviors such as hoarding, refusing to lend money or assets, or being excessively thrifty and reluctant to enjoy life's pleasures.

   This term can also be used to describe someone who is ungenerous or unwilling to share their resources or possessions with others. A miserly person may find it difficult to part with anything, even if they have more than enough for themselves.

   The behavior displayed by those who are miserly can manifest itself in various ways, such as continuously bargaining for the lowest price, scrimping on everyday expenses, or avoiding social activities that require spending money. These individuals may prioritize the accumulation of wealth and material possessions above all else and may exhibit little generosity towards others.

   Miserly is often seen as a negative trait, as it is commonly associated with selfishness and a lack of compassion. However, it is worth noting that some individuals may adopt a miserly mindset due to past financial difficulties or a strong desire to build financial security.

2. Very covetous; very mean; sordid; niggardly.

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

Common Misspellings for MISERLY

• mirely
• myserlf
• miserbily
• wiselly
• mosetly
• miserale
• misiry
• misrey
• misury
• eserly
• miserbly
• mizery
• isely
• miserry
• miself
• misels
• sicerly
• manerly
• mysely
• micely
• misary
• merly
• mesery
• userly
• mysery
• missery
• leiserly
• mesely
• misella
• miserey
• siserly
• myserty
• miserble
• visely
• mierky
• miseraly
• misrely
• dinerly
• misfrom
• missruly
• miserley
• mizarly
• niselly
• Missurly
• Nigerly
• viberly
• misquerry
• masevly
• Miselo
• Miseela
• Miseliy
• Miseli

Etymology of MISERLY

The word "miserly" dates back to the late 16th century and is derived from the noun "miser", which comes from the Latin word "misarius". In Latin, "misarius" referred to a wretched or unfortunate person. This Latin noun developed into "miser" in English, which specifically referred to a person who hoards wealth or is extremely stingy in spending money. From "miser", the adjective "miserly" was formed to describe the behavior or characteristics of a miser, further emphasizing the idea of extreme frugality or tightfistedness.