How Do You Spell SOFTBACK?

Pronunciation: [sˈɒftbak] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "softback" is quite straightforward when broken down into its phonetic components. The first syllable, "soft," is pronounced /sɒft/, with a short "o" sound and the "f" pronounced as a voiced fricative. The second syllable, "back," is pronounced /bæk/, with a short "a" sound and the "ck" pronounced as a voiceless plosive. Together, the word is pronounced as /sɒftbæk/, meaning a book bound in a flexible, paper cover.

SOFTBACK Meaning and Definition

1. Softback, also referred to as a paperback, is a type of book characterized by a flexible cover made of paper or cardstock, usually thicker than the inner pages. It is designed to be affordable, lightweight, and portable, making it a popular format for a wide range of literary works including novels, non-fiction, textbooks, and reference books.

   The cover of a softback book is typically coated with a thin layer of varnish or laminate to provide protection against wear and tear, as well as to enhance its visual appeal. Unlike hardcover books with rigid boards, softback books lack a hard spine, allowing them to be easily folded, bent, or flexed.

   Softbacks are typically bound using an adhesive technique known as perfect binding, in which individual pages are glued together at the spine. The pages are typically made from a high-quality, lightweight paper that ensures a smooth reading experience while minimizing bulk and weight.

   Softbacks are valued for their affordability compared to hardcover editions, making them a more accessible option for readers in search of budget-friendly books. Additionally, their lightweight design and flexibility make them convenient for carrying while traveling or commuting.

   Overall, softback books are a versatile and popular format that offers readers a portable and cost-effective way to enjoy a wide variety of written works.

Common Misspellings for SOFTBACK

• softbal
• sitback
• uotback
• aoftback
• zoftback
• sofftback
• softbakc
• switback
• Swortback
• softeback
• sittback

Etymology of SOFTBACK

The word "softback" is a modern combination of two words: "soft" and "back".

"Soft" comes from the Old English word "sōfte", which meant gentle or yielding. The root can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "samftijaz", meaning soothing or quiet. Over time, "soft" developed to refer to something that is easy to mold, compress, or put pressure on.

"Back" comes from the Old English word "bæc", which referred to the rear part of something. It evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "baką", which also meant back or reverse side.

When combined, "softback" essentially means a type of book cover that is gentle, yielding, or easy to bend and shape. It emerged as a way to distinguish paperback books from their hardcover counterparts, which have rigid covers.

Similar spelling word for SOFTBACK

• softball.

Plural form of SOFTBACK is SOFTBACKS