The word "pocketful" is spelled with two letter "l's" at the end, which may seem odd to some. This is because the word is pronounced with stress on the second syllable, "poc-KET-ful". The ending "-ful" is pronounced with a full vowel sound and a light "l" sound, resulting in the double "l" spelling. The IPA phonetic transcription for "pocketful" is /ˈpɑː.kɪt.fʊl/, with stress on the second syllable and the "l" sound represented by a small "L" symbol.
The term "pocketful" is a noun that refers to the quantity or amount that a pocket can contain or hold. It signifies the capacity of a pocket to hold various items, usually small enough to fit comfortably within the confines of the pocket.
Generally, a pocketful denotes the inclusion of multiple items, implying that the pocket is filled to its maximum capacity. The actual number of items may vary depending on the size and design of the pocket, but the term conveys the notion of a substantial or sizable amount.
The term resonates with a sense of convenience and practicality, highlighting the usefulness of pockets as a means of carrying personal belongings in a compact and portable manner. It symbolizes the concept of efficiency and organization, as a pocketful can store and keep track of different items at once, allowing for easy access and mobility.
The term's versatility enables it to encompass a wide range of objects that can fit within a pocket, including but not limited to coins, keys, small gadgets, or even small amounts of food. Whether literal or figurative, a pocketful entails having a pocket filled with items that are relevant or important to an individual, serving as a metaphorical representation of preparedness or readiness.
The word "pocketful" is derived from the combination of two words: "pocket" and "ful".
The word "pocket" can be traced back to the Old North French word "poque", meaning "bag", which also influenced the Middle English word "poket" with the same meaning. "Poque" ultimately finds its roots in the Middle Dutch word "poke", meaning "bag" or "pouch".
The word "ful" is derived from the Old English word "fyll", meaning "fullness" or "plenty". It has Germanic origins and is related to the Old Norse word "fyllr" and the Old High German word "fulli".
When combined, "pocketful" refers to the amount or quantity that can fill or fit into a pocket.