How Do You Spell SLOTH?

Pronunciation: [slˈɒθ] (IPA)

The word "sloth" is spelled as /slɒθ/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet. The first sound /s/ is a voiceless alveolar sibilant consonant, followed by the vowel sound /lɒ/ which is a lower-mid back rounded vowel. The final sound /θ/ is a voiceless dental fricative consonant. The spelling of the word "sloth" is consistent with English phonetic rules and has remained unchanged throughout history. This animal is known for its slow movements and is usually found in tropical rainforests.

SLOTH Meaning and Definition

  1. Sloth, as a noun, refers to a sluggishness or reluctance to exert physical or mental effort, often resulting in a lack of productivity or efficiency. It is characterized by a tendency to avoid or delay work, chores, or responsibilities, and an overall leisurely or indolent lifestyle. Sloth can encompass both physical as well as mental inertia, manifesting in apathy, laziness, or a general unwillingness to engage actively in activities or tasks.

    In wildlife biology, "sloth" is also used as a term to describe a mammal belonging to the order Pilosa, found primarily in Central and South America. Sloths are arboreal creatures best known for their slow locomotion, spending most of their lives hanging upside down from trees. They possess long, curved claws, specialized for gripping tree branches, and a slow metabolism, enabling them to conserve energy. Their physical slowness is both a survival strategy and a consequence of their exclusive herbivorous diet, which provides limited energy resources.

    Furthermore, "sloth" can be seen as one of the Seven Deadly Sins in Christian theology, representing the spiritual laziness or lack of ambition that inhibits one's progress towards achieving their potential and engaging in virtues.

    Overall, sloth is a term that denotes a state of indolence, slow-paced behavior, or avoidance of work, with contexts ranging from describing human behaviors to referencing animal species and spiritual failings.

  2. Disinclination to action or labour; habitual indolence or laziness; idleness; a S. Amer. quadruped, so called from its slow and laborious motions.

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

Top Common Misspellings for SLOTH *

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Other Common Misspellings for SLOTH

Etymology of SLOTH

The word "sloth" originates from the Old English word "slǣwþ" or "slawþ" which meant "slowness" or "indolence". This Old English term ultimately comes from the Proto-Germanic word *slawithō, which had a similar meaning. The word was later influenced by the Middle English word "slooth" before morphing into its current form, "sloth". The concept of sluggishness or laziness associated with sloths gave rise to the usage of this word.

Idioms with the word SLOTH

  • ground sloth

Similar spelling words for SLOTH

Plural form of SLOTH is SLOTHS

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