How Do You Spell OBELI?

Pronunciation: [ˈə͡ʊbli] (IPA)

The word "Obeli" is a plural form of the noun obelus, which is a punctuation mark used in ancient Greek texts to indicate a questionable or spurious passage. The spelling of "Obeli" is pronounced as /ˈɑːbəlaɪ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word is spelled using the letter "O" followed by "b" and "e," then "l" and "i." The pronunciation of the word emphasizes the long "a" sound in the first syllable, followed by the short "i" sound in the second syllable.

OBELI Meaning and Definition

1. Obeli refers to a typographic symbol used primarily in reference works, specifically in dictionaries and other academic literature. The obeli are represented by two parallel lines (∧) placed vertically and separate from the surrounding text. They usually appear as a pair with one line above and another below the problematic word, phrase, or passage. The purpose of obeli is to signify that the marked content is doubtful, incorrect, or requires further verification.

   Often employed in linguistics, lexicology, and textual criticism, obeli serve as markers to indicate dubious or erroneous sections in texts. They are frequently used by lexicographers, editors, or compilers to highlight words, definitions, etymologies, or translations that are considered speculative, questionable, or in need of corroboration. By incorporating obeli, scholars effectively convey their reservations or suggestions regarding the reliability or validity of particular information.

   These typographic symbols originated from the Greek word "obelos" meaning "roasting spit" or "skewer." In Greek texts, the obeliskos symbol, a squared obelos (☍), was employed similarly to its modern usage. Over time, it transformed into the parallel lines (∧) we associate with obeli today.

   Ultimately, obeli function as critical annotations, guiding readers and researchers to exercise caution and scrutiny when encountering the marked content. Utilized prominently in academic and reference publications, they aid in promoting accuracy and encouraging further examination within scholarly discourse.

Common Misspellings for OBELI

• ibeli
• kbeli
• lbeli
• pbeli
• 0beli
• 9beli
• oveli
• oneli
• oheli
• ogeli
• obwli
• obsli
• obdli
• obrli
• ob4li
• ob3li
• obeki
• obepi
• obeoi
• obelu

Etymology of OBELI

The word "Obeli" has an etymology that traces back to ancient Greek. In Greek, the word is spelled as "ὀβελίσκος" (obeliskos), which is derived from the word "obelos" (ὀβελός).

The term "obelos" originally referred to a long, pointed stake used to mark boundaries or to pierce holes in fabric. In ancient Greece, these stakes were often used to mark dubious or questionable parts in a text, particularly in manuscripts or books. These marks resembled a dagger (†) or a similar symbol, and as a result, the term "obelos" began to be used to describe these critical symbols.

Over time, the meaning of "obelos" evolved to refer specifically to the dagger-like symbols used by scholars to highlight questionable or spurious content in ancient texts.