The spelling of the phrase "more wraithlike" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word "wraithlike" is pronounced as /reɪklaɪk/, with stress on the first syllable. The addition of the word "more" before it indicates an increase in the degree of being wraithlike. The phonetic transcription for the phrase would be /mɔː(r) reɪklaɪk/. The careful attention to phonetics ensures accurate spelling and pronunciation of complex words and phrases.
The term "more wraithlike" typically refers to an intensified or heightened state of resembling or having the characteristics of a wraith. A wraith is a supernatural or mythical being often depicted as a ghostly apparition or specter. It is associated with death, the afterlife, and the spirit realm. Therefore, when something or someone is described as "more wraithlike," it suggests an increased resemblance or manifestation of the qualities usually attributed to a wraith.
In a literary or metaphorical sense, "more wraithlike" can describe a person's appearance, demeanor, or behavior. It implies a haunting or ethereal quality, as if the individual possesses an otherworldly presence or is detached from reality. This description might be used to depict a character who appears pale, gaunt, or translucent, exuding an eerie aura. It can also symbolize an individual's detachment from the material world, their mysteriousness, or their evasiveness.
The phrase "more wraithlike" can also be applied to inanimate objects or settings to convey a similar sense of the eerie or supernatural. For instance, a dimly lit and abandoned house with creaking floorboards and glimpses of cold drafts might be described as "more wraithlike." This description emphasizes a prevailing unearthly or ghostly atmosphere, contributing to a haunting, chilling, or ominous environment.
In summary, "more wraithlike" denotes an increased resemblance or manifestation of the characteristics typically associated with a wraith, encompassing both physical and metaphorical attributes.
The word "wraithlike" is a compound formed from the words "wraith" and "like". "Wraith" traces its origin back to Old Norse "reith" meaning "ghost" or "spectre", which is believed to have been borrowed from Old English "wraþ" meaning "wrath" or "anger". Over time, "wraith" came to specifically refer to a ghost or a spirit. The word "like" is derived from Old English "lic" and Proto-Germanic "*liką", which carry the meaning of "body" or "form". When these two words are combined, "wraithlike" describes something that is reminiscent or similar to a wraith or ghost in appearance or nature. Therefore, the etymology of the phrase "more wraithlike" can be traced back to the ancient roots of "wraith" and "like".