Pronunciation: [spˈiːd lˈɪmɪt] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "speed limit" is straightforward. It refers to the maximum or minimum speed at which a vehicle can legally travel in a particular area. The pronunciation of the word "speed" is /spiːd/ and "limit" is /ˈlɪmɪt/. Together, the phrase is pronounced as /spiːd ˈlɪmɪt/. It's crucial for drivers to pay close attention to speed limit signs as exceeding them can result in penalties and even accidents.
A speed limit refers to the legally prescribed maximum or minimum speed at which a vehicle is permitted to travel on a particular road or in a specific area. It establishes a specific numerical value that determines the highest or lowest speed at which vehicles must operate to ensure safety, maintain traffic flow, and comply with regulations. The purpose of imposing speed limits is to prevent accidents, reduce the severity of collisions, and maintain a reasonable pace of traffic.
Speed limits are typically enforced using a combination of traffic signs, road markings, and police patrols. They vary across different jurisdictions and road types, such as highways, urban streets, residential areas, and school zones. Common speed limit designations include numerical values such as 40 km/h (kilometers per hour), 25 mph (miles per hour), or 100 km/h, displayed on appropriately placed signs along the roadside.
Additionally, speed limits are generally set based on factors such as road conditions, traffic volume, proximity to pedestrians or schools, and any specific restrictions or laws applicable to the area. These limits may be subject to adjustments or change based on safety considerations, accident rates, engineering principles, or public input.
Adherence to speed limits is crucial for maintaining road safety and preventing accidents caused by excessive speed. Violating specified speed limits can result in legal consequences, including fines, penalties, loss of driving privileges, and increased insurance premiums. Therefore, it is important for motorists to recognize and adhere to the speed limits indicated to ensure the safety of all road users.
* 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.
The word "speed limit" is a compound noun formed by combining the words "speed" and "limit". Here is the etymology of each of these words:
1. Speed:
- Middle English: The word "speed" originated from the Old English word "spēd", which meant to prosper, succeed, or advance quickly.
- Old English: The Old English word "spēd" is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*spōdiz", which also meant success or prosperity.
- Proto-Germanic: The word "*spōdiz" can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*sped-", which carried the sense of speed or success.
2. Limit:
- Middle English: The word "limit" originated from the Old French word "limite" or the Latin word "limitis", both of which meant boundary or limit.
