How Do You Spell RUFFLE?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈʌfə͡l] (IPA)

The word "ruffle" is a verb that means to disturb the smooth surface or arrangement of something. Its IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription is /ˈrʌfəl/. This word is spelled with a double "f" to indicate the flapping sound that is made when the tongue forces air through the teeth. The following "le" at the end of the word is silent and only serves to indicate that the word is a verb. Overall, the spelling of "ruffle" accurately represents the sound it makes when pronounced.

RUFFLE Meaning and Definition

  1. Ruffle, as a verb, refers to the action of causing a ripple or disturbance on the surface of something, typically fabric, paper, or hair, by quickly and repeatedly disturbing it with small, rapid movements or by pulling at it irregularly. It involves the creation of small folds, wrinkles, or creases, often resulting in a disheveled or uneven appearance. This action can be intentionally performed to add decorative or ornamental touches to an item or to create a desired texture.

    As a noun, a ruffle refers to a decorative frill or flounce added to the edge of a garment, bedding, or any other fabric item. It is typically characterized by its gathered or pleated nature, which gives it a wavy, scalloped, or bumpy appearance. Ruffles are most commonly found on the edges of clothing items such as blouses, dresses, shirts, or skirts, often serving to enhance the aesthetic appeal or create a feminine, playful, or dramatic effect.

    Overall, the term "ruffle" encompasses both the action and the result of disturbing or manipulating fabric or other materials to create a ripple, wrinkle, or decorative flounce. It has found widespread usage in the realm of fashion and clothing design, as well as in various other artistic and decorative contexts.

  2. • A strip of cambric or fine linen plaited or contracted into wrinkles, and sewed to the border of a garment, generally unerstood of ornaments at the wrist; disturbance; agitation.
    • To wrinkle or plait a strip of fine cloth; to distrurb a smooth surface, as water; to agitate; to dscompose; to put out of temper.
    • In mil., a low roll of the drum, accompanied with the presenting of arms; a kind of flourish upon a drum.
    • To beat the ruffle.

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

Common Misspellings for RUFFLE

Etymology of RUFFLE

The word "ruffle" originated in Middle English around the 15th century. It was derived from an earlier word in Old French, "roufler", which meant "to wrinkle or crease". "Roufler" itself was derived from a Germanic word, possibly Old High German "ruffelen", meaning "to wrinkle". Over time, the meaning of the word "ruffle" expanded to also encompass the sense of disturbance, agitation, or the act of pleating or gathering fabric.

Idioms with the word RUFFLE

  • ruffle sth up The idiom "ruffle something up" typically means to disturb or agitate something, often referring to messing up or disarranging the appearance of an object or someone's hair or clothing.
  • ruffle (one's) feathers The idiom "ruffle (one's) feathers" means to irritate or provoke someone, causing them to become upset, angry, or agitated. It refers to a metaphorical comparison of disturbing the smooth and orderly feathers of a bird, which typically creates a sense of unease or discomfort.
  • ruffle sm's feathers The idiom "ruffle someone's feathers" means to cause annoyance, irritation, or provoke someone, typically by saying or doing something that challenges or disrupts their composure, confidence, or comfort. It is often used to describe actions or remarks that disturb someone or cause them to become upset or offended.
  • ruffle feathers The idiom "ruffle feathers" means to upset or agitate someone, typically by challenging their opinions, beliefs, or authority, causing them to become annoyed or angry.
  • ruffle a few feathers The idiom "ruffle a few feathers" means to upset, annoy, or cause a disturbance or disagreement among a group of people, typically by saying or doing something controversial, unconventional, or challenging.
  • ruffle some feathers The idiom "ruffle some feathers" means to cause annoyance, disruption, or discomfort by saying or doing something that upsets or offends others, often resulting in disagreement or conflict.
  • ruffle (sb's) feathers The idiom "ruffle (sb's) feathers" refers to causing someone to become annoyed, upset, or agitated. It implies that actions or words have disturbed or disrupted someone's peace or tranquility.
  • ruffle someone's feathers The idiom "ruffle someone's feathers" means to cause someone to become annoyed, upset, or angered by saying or doing something that disrupts their calm or peace.
  • ruffle its feathers The idiom "ruffle its feathers" means to disturb, upset, or annoy someone or something, often causing them to become agitated or defensive. It is derived from the behavior of birds, particularly when their feathers are disheveled or disrupted, indicating a state of discomfort or agitation.
  • ruffle somebody’s/a few feathers The idiom "ruffle somebody’s/a few feathers" means to cause someone to become upset, irritated, or annoyed by saying or doing something that challenges their beliefs, opinions, or actions. It can be used to describe situations where someone's actions or words disturb or agitate others, often resulting in a negative reaction or response.
  • ruffle somebody's/a few feathers To "ruffle somebody's/a few feathers" means to upset or annoy someone, usually by behaving or speaking in a way that goes against their expectations or beliefs. It implies causing a disturbance or causing someone to become agitated or uncomfortable.

Similar spelling words for RUFFLE

Plural form of RUFFLE is RUFFLES

Conjugate verb Ruffle

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have ruffled
you would have ruffled
he/she/it would have ruffled
we would have ruffled
they would have ruffled
I would have ruffle
you would have ruffle
he/she/it would have ruffle
we would have ruffle
they would have ruffle

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

you ruffle
we let´s ruffle

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to ruffle

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

ruffled

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I ruffle
you ruffle
he/she/it ruffles
we ruffle
they ruffle

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

ruffling

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it ruffle

SIMPLE PAST

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

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