The correct spelling of the word "more ruffianly" is /mɔːr rʌfiənli/. The phonetic transcription shows that the word begins with the vowel sound /ɔː/ which is followed by the consonant sound /r/. The second syllable starts with the schwa sound /ə/ and ends with the consonant sound /n/. The final syllable contains the vowel sound /i/ and ends with the consonant sound /li/. This spelling accurately represents the pronunciation of the word, which means to behave in a rough and violent manner.
The term "more ruffianly" is an adjective formed by combining the comparative form of "ruffian" with "more". To understand its meaning, it is important to first define "ruffian". A ruffian refers to an individual who engages in rough, violent, or disorderly behavior. They are often associated with being tough, unruly, and intimidating.
When the comparative form "more" is added to "ruffian", it implies an increased degree or intensity of ruffian-like qualities. "More ruffianly" denotes a heightened level of roughness, violence, or disruptive conduct in a person. It suggests that the individual's behavior or demeanor exceeds the typical standards or expectations associated with ruffians.
Furthermore, describing someone or something as "more ruffianly" may also indicate that they possess additional traits or characteristics typically associated with ruffians. These might include a lack of regard for authority or rules, a penchant for aggression, a propensity for engaging in confrontations or physical altercations, or a general inclination towards delinquency.
Using "more ruffianly" in a sentence could be as follows: "John's behavior has become increasingly more ruffianly since he started hanging out with that unruly crowd." In this example, it suggests that John's conduct has worsened over time, adopting qualities that align with those typically exhibited by ruffians.
The word "ruffianly" is formed by adding the suffix "-ly" to the noun "ruffian". The etymology of "ruffian" can be traced back to the Middle English term "ruffian" or "ruffin", which originally meant an individual or warrior belonging to a group called the "routfyn" or "routfen". These groups were typically unruly or lawless bands of people. The word "routfen" is believed to have been derived from the Middle English words "routher" meaning "to roar" and "fen" meaning "a wild or deserted place". Over time, "ruffian" evolved to refer to a violent or brutal person, typically involved in criminal or thuggish activities.