How Do You Spell OBSOLETE?

Pronunciation: [ˈɒbsəlˌiːt] (IPA)

The word "obsolete" is spelled with an initial "o" followed by the letters "b-s-o-l-e-t-e". The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /əbsəli:t/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short schwa sound, followed by a stressed "b", "s", and "l". The final syllable is pronounced with a long "e" sound. This word is used to describe something that is out of date or no longer used. It is common in technology and fashion industries where new advancements and trends render older products or styles obsolete.

OBSOLETE Meaning and Definition

  1. Obsolete means no longer in use or no longer relevant or effective. It refers to something that has become outdated or outmoded due to the development of newer and more advanced technologies, methods, or ideas. When something is considered obsolete, it implies that it is no longer useful or practical in the current context.

    An object or concept can become obsolete due to various reasons such as technological advancements, changes in societal norms, or new discoveries. For example, typewriters and cassette tapes are considered obsolete in the modern era, as they have been replaced by computers and digital formats. Similarly, certain traditional practices or customs may become obsolete as society evolves and adopts new ways of thinking.

    The term "obsolete" is often used to describe outdated technologies, tools, or methods, but it can also be applied to ideas, beliefs, or theories that are no longer valid or accepted. It signifies that something has fallen out of use or is no longer considered relevant or necessary. However, it is important to note that something being considered obsolete does not necessarily mean it has no value or historical significance. In certain cases, obsolete objects or ideas can still hold cultural, sentimental, or historical importance.

  2. Fallen out of use.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. Gone out of use; disused; out of date; in bot., imperfectly developed or abortive-applied to the calyx when it is in the form of a rim; in zool., applied to a part or spot, or to some distinctive character scarcely discoverable.

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

Top Common Misspellings for OBSOLETE *

* 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 OBSOLETE

Etymology of OBSOLETE

The word "obsolete" comes from the Latin word "obsoletus", which is the past participle of the verb "obsolescere". "Obsolescere" is derived from the Latin prefix "ob" meaning "toward" or "against", and the verb "solēre" meaning "to be accustomed". Therefore, "obsoletus" originally meant "grown old" or "going out of use". The word gradually evolved to its current meaning of being no longer in use or outdated.

Similar spelling words for OBSOLETE

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