How Do You Spell SHEPHERDLESS?

Pronunciation: [ʃˈɛpədləs] (IPA)

The word "shepherdless" is spelled with the suffix "-less" added to the word "shepherd." In IPA phonetic transcription, this word is pronounced /ˈʃɛpərdləs/. This means that the stress is on the first syllable "shep," with the "er" sound pronounced as "ɛr." The "d" in "shepherd" is silent, and "less" is pronounced with a short "u" sound and a vocalized "s." The word refers to the absence or lack of a shepherd, or someone who tends to and cares for sheep.

SHEPHERDLESS Meaning and Definition

1. Shepherdless is an adjective that describes a situation or condition in which there is a lack of a shepherd. It refers to a state or circumstance where no one is guiding, leading, or overseeing a group of people, an organization, or a particular endeavor. The term is primarily used metaphorically to convey the absence of a responsible, guiding figure in a given context.

   In religious or spiritual contexts, shepherdless often refers to a flock of believers or followers without a spiritual leader or guide. It implies a state of disarray, confusion, and vulnerability among the followers who lack the guidance, protection, and care of their shepherd.

   Additionally, this word can be extended to other domains outside of religious contexts. For example, in a business or organizational setting, shepherdless can describe a situation where there is a lack of effective leadership or supervision. It signifies a condition of disorder, lack of direction, and a potential loss of focus or unity within the group.

   Overall, shepherdless denotes a state of being without a guiding figure or role model, emphasizing the absence of someone who provides guidance, support, protection, or direction.

Common Misspellings for SHEPHERDLESS

• ahepherdless
• zhepherdless
• xhepherdless
• dhepherdless
• ehepherdless
• whepherdless
• sgepherdless
• sbepherdless
• snepherdless
• sjepherdless
• suepherdless
• syepherdless
• shwpherdless
• shspherdless
• shdpherdless
• shrpherdless
• sh4pherdless
• sh3pherdless
• sheoherdless
• shelherdless

Etymology of SHEPHERDLESS

The word "shepherdless" is derived from the combination of two words: "shepherd" and "less".

"Shepherd" originated from the Old English word "sceaphierde", which was a compound of "sceap" meaning "sheep" and "hierde" meaning "herder" or "keeper". Over time, the word evolved to "shepherd" in Middle English, referring to a person who cares for and tends to a flock of sheep.

The suffix "-less" in "shepherdless" is added to the noun "shepherd" to create an adjective form, indicating the absence or lack of shepherds. The suffix "-less" itself originates from Old English "-leas" meaning "devoid of" or "lacking".

Therefore, "shepherdless" essentially means without a shepherd or lacking a shepherd.