How Do You Spell PAY DEARLY?

Pronunciation: [pˈe͡ɪ dˈi͡əli] (IPA)

The phrase "pay dearly" is spelled "peɪ ˈdɪrli" in IPA phonetic transcription. The "a" in "pay" is pronounced as the diphthong "ei", while the "e" in "dearly" is pronounced as the short vowel sound "e". The stress falls on the second syllable of "dearly", indicated by the apostrophe-like symbol. The word "dearly" is also spelled with the letter "a" instead of "e" in some British English variants, such as "dearly beloved" in wedding ceremonies.

PAY DEARLY Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "pay dearly" refers to experiencing severe consequences or incurring significant costs due to some action, decision, or circumstance. It implies that the price one has to pay for a particular outcome or situation is high, often involving a considerable sacrifice, loss, or negative outcome. This expression emphasizes the magnitude and gravity of the consequences one faces as a result of their choices, actions, or circumstances.

   When someone pays dearly for something, they find themselves in a highly unfavorable or disadvantageous position, suffering severe repercussions. It may involve enduring emotional, physical, financial, or social hardships as a result of a mistake, poor judgment, or unfortunate event. The phrase connotes a sense of regret or remorse for the heavy price one must pay.

   "Paying dearly" can also refer to the monetary aspect, indicating that a substantial amount of money is required to obtain or resolve something. In this context, it emphasizes the significant expense or cost incurred in a transaction, purchase, or settlement.

   Overall, "paying dearly" refers to the significant consequences or burdens one faces, be it emotional, physical, financial, or reputational, when the price for a particular action or decision is high, resulting in a heavy toll on one's well-being or resources.

Common Misspellings for PAY DEARLY

• oay dearly
• lay dearly
• -ay dearly
• 0ay dearly
• pzy dearly
• psy dearly
• pwy dearly
• pqy dearly
• pat dearly
• pag dearly
• pah dearly
• pau dearly
• pa7 dearly
• pa6 dearly
• pay searly
• pay xearly
• pay cearly
• pay fearly
• pay rearly
• pay eearly

Etymology of PAY DEARLY

The phrase "pay dearly" is a figurative expression that means suffering significant consequences, often financial, for one's actions or choices. It can be traced back to the Middle English period, where the word "pay" was derived from the Old French word "paier", meaning "to satisfy a creditor". The term "dearly" is derived from the Old English word "deore", which means "precious" or "costly".

Combining these two words, "pay dearly" suggests the idea of paying a high or precious price for something, indicating that the consequences or price to be paid are significant and perhaps even regrettable. Over time, this expression has become idiomatic, and it is now often used metaphorically to convey the idea of experiencing undesirable consequences for one's actions.