The word "rickety" is spelled as "ˈrɪkəti." The spelling is derived from its pronunciation, which is similar to the word "rick," combined with the suffix "-ety." The word is commonly used to describe something that is shaky or unstable, as in a rickety old chair that may collapse at any moment. The use of IPA phonetic transcription helps to accurately represent the pronunciation of words, making it easier for readers to understand their correct spellings and pronunciations.
Rickety is an adjective that describes something or someone as being unstable, weak, or in a poor state of health or condition. It commonly refers to a physical object or structure that is fragile or likely to collapse due to its evident lack of stability or strength.
When applied to a person, it implies a feeble or unsteady physical condition, suggesting a frailty that may make movements difficult or prone to injury. It can also be used to describe someone in poor or declining health, conveying a sense of debilitation or vulnerability.
In the context of the natural world, rickety can describe a plant or tree that is weak and leaning, possibly at the point of collapse. It can also describe a poorly constructed or fragile wooden structure or furniture that is likely to break or fall apart.
Furthermore, rickety can be used figuratively to describe something unstable or unpredictable, such as a rickety economy or a rickety plan. It emphasizes an inherent lack of solidity, reliability, or coherence.
Overall, the term rickety conveys a sense of fragility, weakness, and instability. It suggests a lack of firmness, resilience, or durability, whether in relation to physical objects, people's health, or abstract concepts.
Rachitic, relating to or suffering from rickets.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Affected with rickets; feeble in the joints; imperfect and unstable.
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 "rickety" is derived from the Middle English word "rike", meaning "to move quickly or jerkily", which came from the Old English word "hrician". This Old English word was likely imitative of the sound produced by a wobbly or unsteady object. Over time, "rickety" evolved to describe something that is shaky, unstable, or in poor condition, particularly when referring to a person or object that lacks strength or vitality.