How Do You Spell PERPEND?

Pronunciation: [pˈɜːpənd] (IPA)

Perpend is a verb that means to consider or reflect thoroughly. Its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as pə(r)pɛnd or pɜːpɛnd. The first pronunciation uses the schwa sound for the first syllable, and the second one uses the vowel sound in "father." The "r" sound in the middle is a non-syllabic consonant, and the stress falls on the second syllable. The spelling of Perpend may be confusing due to the different vowel sounds that can precede the "r" sound.

PERPEND Meaning and Definition

  1. Perpend (noun):

    1. In masonry construction, a perpend refers to a vertical joint between two courses or layers of bricks or stones in a wall, which runs perpendicular to the face of the wall. It is the vertical equivalent of a header or stretcher, which are horizontal joints. Perpends are typically filled with mortar or other bonding material to provide structural strength and stability to the wall. They are essential for distributing the weight evenly and preventing the bricks or stones from sliding or tilting.

    Perpend (verb):

    1. To perpend means to carefully consider, ponder, or reflect upon something in a deep or thorough manner. It implies a deliberate and thoughtful examination of an issue or topic, often with the intention of gaining a better understanding or making a decision. This verb usage may also denote an act of weighing options, evaluating alternatives, or contemplating the implications or consequences of a certain action or situation. Perpending involves engaging oneself in a mental process of introspection, analysis, and evaluation.

    In both noun and verb forms, the term "perpend" denotes a vertical orientation, whether it refers to a joint in masonry construction or the act of contemplation.

Common Misspellings for PERPEND

  • oerpend
  • lerpend
  • -erpend
  • 0erpend
  • pwrpend
  • psrpend
  • pdrpend
  • prrpend
  • p4rpend
  • p3rpend
  • peepend
  • pedpend
  • pefpend
  • petpend
  • pe5pend
  • pe4pend
  • peroend
  • perlend
  • per-end
  • per0end

Etymology of PERPEND

The word perpend has an interesting etymology. It originated from the Latin word perpendiculum, which means a plumb line or a perpendicular tool used for measuring verticality. The Latin word perpendiculum is a combination of the prefix per- (meaning through or thoroughly) and pendere (to hang or weigh).

In medieval English, perpend was used as a verb to mean to weigh carefully or to consider thoroughly, similar to how a plumb line would measure or determine the verticality of something. Over time, the meaning of the word shifted to specifically refer to considering or reflecting upon something. Today, perpend is used primarily in British English and is synonymous with consider, ponder, or meditate.

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: