How Do You Spell MISSHAPEN?

Pronunciation: [mɪsʃˈe͡ɪpən] (IPA)

The word "misshapen" is spelled with two s's as opposed to one, despite the fact that the latter seems logical. This is due to the fact that the second syllable of the word begins with a stressed vowel sound, represented by the IPA symbol ə, which creates the need for an additional consonant. The correct IPA transcription of this word is mɪsˈʃeɪpən. It is important to pay attention to the correct spelling and pronunciation of words such as "misshapen" to ensure clear communication.

MISSHAPEN Meaning and Definition

1. Misshapen is an adjective that describes something that is deformed or distorted in its physical form or shape. It refers to an object, person, or thing that deviates from its natural or intended shape, resulting in an abnormal or unusual appearance.

   When something is misshapen, it often appears twisted, bent, or warped, lacking the typical symmetry or proportions associated with its usual form. It can suggest a physical irregularity, such as a misshapen bone or body part, wherein the size, contour, or pattern is altered from the norm.

   In a broader sense, misshapen can also refer to figurative deformities or abnormalities. It can describe ideas, beliefs, or concepts that are deeply flawed or distorted, veering far from the expected or logical understanding. When used to describe character or personality traits, misshapen implies a distortion or perversion of an individual's inherent or natural qualities, suggesting they have deviated from an accepted moral or ethical standard.

   Misshapen can also be used metaphorically to describe events or situations that have gone awry or become disorganized, resulting in a chaotic or disorderly state.

   Overall, the term misshapen portrays a departure from normality, whether physical, conceptual, moral, or circumstantial. It emphasizes the abnormality and abnormal appearance of an object, person, or thing, highlighting its deviation from the expected or typical shape or form.

2. Ill-formed; ugly.

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

Top Common Misspellings for MISSHAPEN *

• mishapen 72%
• mishappen 14%
• misshapened 6%

* 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 MISSHAPEN

• misshappen
• mishaped
• mishape
• mishapes
• misshaps
• misshap
• mischapen
• misshapin
• miscshapen
• Misheapen
• Misshapend

Etymology of MISSHAPEN

The word "misshapen" is derived from the combination of two Old English words: "mis-" and "sceapen".

The prefix "mis-" means "wrong" or "bad", often highlighting an incorrect or negative state. It is commonly used to indicate a lack of accuracy or a negative quality.

The second part, "sceapen", comes from the Old English word "scapan" which means "shaped" or "created". It comes from the Proto-Germanic word "*skapjaną", which has the same meaning of "to shape" or "to create".

Together, the two words "mis-" and "sceapen" form "misshapen", meaning something that is badly or incorrectly shaped or formed.

Similar spelling word for MISSHAPEN

• misspend.