How Do You Spell SOOTHER?

Pronunciation: [sˈuːðə] (IPA)

Soother is a spoken English word that is spelled in the conventional English way. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈsuːðər/. The first sound is /s/, followed by a long vowel sound represented by /uː/. The middle sound is represented by the consonant cluster /ð/ and the final sound is represented by the vowel sound /ər/. In British English, this word is often spelled "soother" whereas in American English "pacifier" or "binky" is more commonly used.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Basic Check Advanced Check

SOOTHER Meaning and Definition

  1. A soother refers to an object or device that is designed to bring relief, consolation, and comfort to an individual, typically by calming their nerves, reducing anxiety, or alleviating physical discomfort. A soother can take various forms depending on its purpose and target recipient. For infants and young children, a soother is commonly associated with a pacifier or dummy. It is a rubber or silicone nipple-like object that can be sucked on to soothe and calm a baby. This type of soother is believed to mimic the sensation of breastfeeding, thus providing a sense of security and tranquility.

    From a broader perspective, a soother can also refer to any item or technique employed to soothe adults. This might include items such as stress balls, essential oils, herbal teas, or relaxation aids like weighted blankets. Additionally, soothing activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or listening to calming music can also serve as soothers for adults, helping to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and restore inner tranquility.

    The main purpose of a soother is to provide solace and comfort, regardless of age or circumstance. Whether it is for a baby, child, or an adult, a soother aims to pacify and relieve emotional distress, promote relaxation, and contribute to an overall sense of well-being.

  2. One who soothes.

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

Common Misspellings for SOOTHER

Etymology of SOOTHER

The word "soother" is derived from the verb "soothe", which traces back to the Old English word "sōþian". In turn, "sōþian" can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*sōþōną", meaning "to be or become quiet". This Proto-Germanic word is also related to the Old Saxon word "sothian" and the Old Norse word "soða", both expressing the same concept of "becoming calm or quiet". Over time, the word "soothe" evolved into "soother", which refers to something or someone that provides comfort, calmness, or relief from distress.