How Do You Spell SIDEWALK?

Pronunciation: [sˈa͡ɪdwɔːk] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "sidewalk" is somewhat unique, as it contains a few sounds that can be difficult for non-native English speakers to decipher. In IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription, the word is written as /ˈsaɪdˌwɔk/. This breaks down to two syllables: "side" and "walk". The vowel sound in "side" is a diphthong (a combination of two vowel sounds), which makes the word somewhat tricky to spell. However, with practice and familiarity, the spelling of "sidewalk" can become second nature.

SIDEWALK Meaning and Definition

  1. A sidewalk refers to a pedestrian pathway situated alongside a road or pavement primarily intended for the convenience and safety of pedestrians. It is a raised or paved path that is separate from vehicular traffic or the main road, providing a designated space for people to walk on. Sidewalks are typically made of concrete, asphalt, or other durable materials and are usually constructed at the same level as the road surface but are clearly demarcated to differentiate them from the road.

    Sidewalks are an important feature of urban infrastructure, promoting pedestrian mobility and accessibility. They facilitate safe walking, jogging, or cycling as they offer a designated path away from fast-moving vehicles. This makes sidewalks crucial in densely populated areas, residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and near schools, parks, and other public spaces.

    Additionally, sidewalks often feature specific design elements such as tactile paving or raised bumps for individuals with visual impairments to navigate safely. They may also include benches, streetlights, trees, or other amenities for comfort and aesthetic purposes.

    Sidewalks serve various purposes, including reducing traffic congestion by encouraging walking and providing space for street vendors or other activities that are not suitable for the main road. In some cities, sidewalks also serve as a platform for social interaction, community gatherings, or public art installations.

Top Common Misspellings for SIDEWALK *

* 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.

Other Common Misspellings for SIDEWALK

Etymology of SIDEWALK

The word "sidewalk" originated in North America and is derived from the combination of two words: "side" and "walk".

Firstly, "side" comes from the Old English word "sīde", which means "flank" or "border". Over time, this term referred specifically to the border or edge of a road or street.

Secondly, "walk" comes from the Old English word "walcian", which means "to roll", "to move", or "to exercise". In Middle English, it evolved to "walken", meaning "to move about on foot".

The combination of these two components formed the word "sidewalk", which refers to a path or paved area along the side of a road or street for pedestrians to walk on. The term was first recorded in the late 18th century in North America, where it is widely used and well-established today.

Plural form of SIDEWALK is SIDEWALKS

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