The word "riddance" is spelled with two "d"s, but only one is pronounced. The IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈrɪd.əns/. The first syllable is pronounced as "rid" with the short "i" sound and a voiced "d" consonant. The second syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound and a silent "d" consonant. The word means to get rid of something or to be relieved of a burden. With its unique spelling and pronunciation, "riddance" is a word that can trip up even the best of spellers.
Riddance is a noun that refers to the act of removing or getting rid of something or someone undesirable, usually with a sense of relief or joy. It can also indicate the state of being freed from that unwanted thing or person. This term often conveys a sense of liberation or satisfaction felt after finally eliminating or discarding something that has been burdensome or troublesome.
The word "riddance" is commonly used to express the act of disposal or eradication. It implies a deliberate effort to remove or separate oneself from an unpleasant situation, habit, or individual. For example, one might use the phrase "good riddance" when expressing satisfaction and relief at the departure of an individual who was causing trouble or distress.
The term can also be used metaphorically to denote the elimination of intangible factors, such as harmful thoughts, emotions, or memories. In this context, "riddance" signifies the process of letting go or releasing oneself from these negative influences.
Furthermore, "riddance" can convey the idea of removing or eliminating unwelcome things or elements in a more general sense, beyond human experiences. It can encompass the act of clearing or cleansing a physical space from unnecessary objects, clutter, or any undesirable items that hinder functionality or appeal.
Overall, "riddance" encapsulates the act or state of disposing of, eliminating, or being liberated from something or someone undesirable, often accompanied by a sense of contentment and relief.
Act of clearing away; deliverance; escape; to get rid of, to free one's self from.
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 "riddance" originated from Middle English. It was formed by combining the prefix "rid-" which means "to clear" or "to remove", and the noun suffix "-ance" which indicates an action or state. The Middle English term "riden" is related to the Old Norse word "rītha", which means "to clear or free from something". Over time, "riddance" came to mean the act or process of getting rid of something or someone, or the state of being freed from their presence.