How Do You Spell PETRIFY?

Pronunciation: [pˈɛtɹɪfˌa͡ɪ] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the word "petrify" is /ˈpɛtrɪfaɪ/. It is a verb that means to turn something or someone into stone or to be paralyzed with fear. The word is derived from the Latin word "petra" which means stone. The "i" in the middle of the word is pronounced as "ih" sound, and the "y" at the end is pronounced as "eye". It's important to spell "petrify" correctly to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words such as "petty" or "petri".

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
Conjugate verb
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PETRIFY Meaning and Definition

  1. Petrify, in verb form, is defined as the process or action of turning something or someone into stone or having the appearance of being turned into stone. This word often refers to the literal transformation of organic material into a fossil, where over time the tissue is replaced by minerals, resulting in a hard, stone-like substance.

    In a figurative or metaphorical sense, petrify means to cause great fear, astonishment, or immobilization, rendering someone or something unable to move or function in a state of shock. It implies extreme surprise or terror, as if one were fixed or frozen in place. This usage typically describes an overwhelming reaction to a horrifying, astonishing, or nerve-wracking event or situation.

    Additionally, petrify can also mean to undergo a transformation that makes one stiff, rigid, or inflexible in demeanor or attitude. In this sense, it suggests a loss of spontaneity, adaptability, or capacity for change, and implies becoming hardened or unyielding in one's behavior or opinions.

    The term petrify is derived from the Latin word "petra," meaning "rock" or "stone." It traces back to the Greek word "petraō," which means "to harden or turn into stone." This etymology underlies the dual connotations of the word, encompassing both the literal and metaphorical aspects of the transformation implied by petrify.

  2. To convert animal or vegetable substances into stony matter; to fix in dumb amazement; to become stone.

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

Common Misspellings for PETRIFY

Etymology of PETRIFY

The word petrify originated from the Latin word petra meaning rock or stone. It came into English through the Old French word petrifier, which means to harden like stone. The suffix -ify is a suffix used to form verbs, indicating to cause to become. Therefore, petrify literally means to turn into stone or to cause to become like stone.

Similar spelling words for PETRIFY

Conjugate verb Petrify

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have petrified
you would have petrified
he/she/it would have petrified
we would have petrified
they would have petrified
I would have petrify
you would have petrify
he/she/it would have petrify
we would have petrify
they would have petrify

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been petrifying
you would have been petrifying
he/she/it would have been petrifying
we would have been petrifying
they would have been petrifying

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would petrify
you would petrify
he/she/it would petrify
we would petrify
they would petrify

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be petrifying
you would be petrifying
he/she/it would be petrifying
we would be petrifying
they would be petrifying

FUTURE

I will petrify
you will petrify
he/she/it will petrify
we will petrify
they will petrify

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be petrifying
you will be petrifying
he/she/it will be petrifying
we will be petrifying
they will be petrifying

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have petrified
you will have petrified
he/she/it will have petrified
we will have petrified
they will have petrified

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been petrifying
you will have been petrifying
he/she/it will have been petrifying
we will have been petrifying
they will have been petrifying

IMPERATIVE

you petrify
we let´s petrify

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to petrify

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was petrifying
you were petrifying
he/she/it was petrifying
we were petrifying
they were petrifying

PAST PARTICIPLE

petrified

PAST PERFECT

I had petrified
you had petrified
he/she/it had petrified
we had petrified
they had petrified

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been petrifying
you had been petrifying
he/she/it had been petrifying
we had been petrifying
they had been petrifying

PRESENT

I petrify
you petrify
he/she/it petrifies
we petrify
they petrify

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am petrifying
you are petrifying
he/she/it is petrifying
we are petrifying
they are petrifying

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

petrifying

PRESENT PERFECT

I have petrified
you have petrified
he/she/it has petrified
we have petrified
they have petrified

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been petrifying
you have been petrifying
he/she/it has been petrifying
we have been petrifying
they have been petrifying

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it petrify

SIMPLE PAST

I petrified
you petrified
he/she/it petrified
we petrified
they petrified

Infographic

Correct spelling for petrify
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