How Do You Spell SCRAMBLE FOR?

Pronunciation: [skɹˈambə͡l fɔː] (IPA)

The phrase "scramble for" refers to a rush or competition to obtain something. The spelling of "scramble" follows the typical English pattern, with the /sk/ consonant cluster followed by the vowel sounds /æ/ and /bl/. The stressed syllable is the first syllable, pronounced as /ˈskræm/. The word "for" is pronounced with a single syllable, with the vowel sound /ɔr/, as in the IPA transcription /fɔr/. Together, the phrase is pronounced as /ˈskræmbəl fɔr/.

SCRAMBLE FOR Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "scramble for" refers to a fervent and chaotic competition or rush among individuals, groups, or nations to obtain or gain control over something that is limited in availability or highly desirable. It denotes a fierce struggle where multiple parties engage in a hasty, disorganized, and often aggressive pursuit of a particular resource, opportunity, or advantage.

   This term commonly traces its origin back to the historical context of colonialism and imperialism when European powers aggressively vied for control over territories, resources, or markets in Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world. This period witnessed intense rivalries and expeditions where nations competed to hastily seize control and establish dominance over colonies or resources, often disregarding principles of fairness, diplomacy, or respect for indigenous people's rights.

   The "scramble for" can also extend beyond territorial or geopolitical conquests. In modern contexts, it can describe competitive scenarios in various domains such as technology, sports, education, or business. For example, it might refer to the intense battle among tech companies to secure patents or dominate emerging markets, the fierce competition between athletes to secure a position on a sports team, or even the mad rush of students to enroll in top-tier universities.

   Overall, the phrase "scramble for" encapsulates the essence of frenzied competition, exemplifying the pursuit, often uncivilized and aggressive, of limited resources or advantageous positions.

Common Misspellings for SCRAMBLE FOR

• acramble for
• zcramble for
• xcramble for
• dcramble for
• ecramble for
• wcramble for
• sxramble for
• svramble for
• sframble for
• sdramble for
• sceamble for
• scdamble for
• scfamble for
• sctamble for
• sc5amble for
• sc4amble for
• scrzmble for
• scrsmble for
• scrwmble for
• scrqmble for

Etymology of SCRAMBLE FOR

The term "scramble for" originated during the late 19th century and is derived from the verb "scramble". The word "scramble" itself has Middle English origins and is believed to have evolved from the Old English word "scremlian" or "scremedlian", which means to crawl or climb in a hurried manner. Over time, "scramble" came to mean to move or act quickly and desperately, often in a disorderly or chaotic fashion.

In the context of the "Scramble for Africa", which is the most well-known usage of "scramble for", the term refers to the rush and intense competition among European powers to colonize and claim territories in Africa during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This event was driven by geopolitical, economic, and imperialistic ambitions as European nations sought to expand their influence and secure valuable resources.

Idioms with the word SCRAMBLE FOR

• scramble for sm or sth The idiom "scramble for something" refers to a situation where people compete and rush to obtain or achieve something, often due to limited availability or high demand. It can also imply a sense of chaos or disorder as people urgently strive for a particular object, opportunity, or goal.