The word "soldiering" is spelled with an "i" in the second syllable, despite the fact that it sounds like "sold-juring". This is because the "i" in this case is acting as a schwa sound, which is a neutral vowel sound that is often represented by the letter "i" in unstressed syllables. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ˈsoʊl.dʒɚ.ɪŋ/, with the symbol "ɚ" representing the schwa sound. So even though it might not make intuitive sense, the spelling of "soldiering" follows the standard rules of English phonetics.
Soldiering refers to the act or profession of serving as a soldier or engaging in military activities. It is a term typically associated with the armed forces and encompasses various aspects of military life and duty.
At its core, soldiering involves individuals dedicated to safeguarding their nation's security and often involves putting their lives at risk during combat or times of conflict. Soldiers are trained to follow orders, operate various weapons and equipment, and engage in warfare tactics. They may serve on the front lines or be stationed in support roles, depending on their assigned tasks and military branch.
Soldiering also encompasses values such as discipline, loyalty, and esprit de corps, which emphasize the importance of teamwork, unit cohesion, and camaraderie among soldiers. Soldiers are expected to adhere to a code of conduct, which may include guidelines for following rules of engagement, respecting human rights, and upholding moral standards.
In a broader sense, soldiering can refer to any form of committed and disciplined action, determination, or effort. It can extend beyond military contexts to describe individuals who approach their tasks or responsibilities with a dedicated and relentless attitude, often in the face of adversity. This can include professionals working in other fields who exhibit characteristics similar to those associated with soldiers, such as commitment, resilience, and a willingness to overcome obstacles to achieve their objectives.
The state of being a soldier; the coccupation of a soldier.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "soldiering" originates from the Middle English term "soudieren", which came from the Old French word "soudoier". "Soudoier" referred to the act of paying a soldier's wages or providing them with financial compensation. This term was derived from the Late Latin word "solidare", meaning "to pay in coin", itself derived from the Latin "solidus", a type of Roman coin. Over time, "soudieren" evolved into "soldiering", which today refers to the act of serving as a soldier in a military capacity.