Raking is spelled with the phonetic transcription /ˈreɪkɪŋ/. The first syllable, "ray," is pronounced with a long "a" vowel sound, while the second syllable, "king," has a short "i" vowel sound. The letter "a" in the first syllable represents the long "a" sound, and the letter "i" in the second syllable represents the short "i" sound. Raking refers to the act of using a rake to gather leaves or other debris, and is commonly used in gardening and yard work.
Raking is a verb that can have multiple meanings depending on the context. One of its primary definitions refers to the action of using a rake, which is a gardening tool with a long handle and typically metal teeth or tines, to gather or collect fallen leaves, grass cuttings, or other debris from the ground. This activity is commonly done in autumn as part of garden maintenance to keep the outdoor area tidy and free from clutter.
In a figurative sense, raking can also denote the action of searching or combing through something in a systematic or thorough manner. For example, detectives may be said to be raking through evidence, implying they are meticulously examining various clues or details to solve a crime or mystery. This usage is often associated with a thorough investigation or scrutiny aimed at finding specific information or answers.
Additionally, the term "raking" is sometimes used to describe the sweeping or scraping motion made by a person's hand, fingers, or limbs. This gesture can convey a range of actions, such as brushing one's fingers through their hair or running one's hands across a surface to clear or accumulate objects.
Overall, the term "raking" encompasses the acts of using a rake for gathering debris, conducting a thorough search or investigation, and employing a sweeping or scraping motion with one's hands or fingers.
Cannonading a ship in the direction of its length.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word "raking" has an interesting etymology. It originated from the Old Norse word "reka", which means "to move or drive". The verb "reka" evolved into the Middle English word "rake" in the 14th century, which initially referred to the act of moving or driving with a pointed tool or implement.
Over time, the meaning of "rake" expanded to include the action of scraping, gathering, or collecting loose material, such as leaves or hay, using a rake. As a result, the verb form "rake" became associated with the act of gathering or arranging material, creating the present participle "raking".
In modern usage, "raking" typically refers to the action of using a rake to collect or gather debris, leaves, or other loose material.