How Do You Spell SPINELESS?

Pronunciation: [spˈa͡ɪnləs] (IPA)

The word "spineless" is spelled with a long "i" sound, represented by the IPA symbol /aɪ/, followed by the letter "e" and the "less" suffix. The "s" and "p" sounds are both voiceless and aspirated, represented by the IPA symbols /s/ and /pʰ/ respectively. The word means lacking in courage or determination, and is often used to describe someone who is weak-willed or easily intimidated. In nature, spineless creatures such as jellyfish or slugs are often seen as vulnerable or defenceless.

SPINELESS Meaning and Definition

  1. Spineless is an adjective used to describe a person or thing that lacks strength, courage, or determination. The word stems from the metaphorical comparison to a creature without a spine, which is typically associated with being weak, feeble, or indecisive.

    When referring to a person, a spineless individual is often seen as lacking conviction or moral fiber. They may avoid taking a stand or asserting their opinions, instead choosing to go along with others or conform to societal expectations. This lack of backbone may manifest as a tendency to yield easily to pressure or manipulation, compromising their own beliefs and principles. Spineless individuals may also shy away from confrontations or difficulties, opting for a passive or submissive approach.

    In a broader context, the term spineless can be applied to situations or objects lacking resilience or durability. For example, a spineless organization may lack the ability to adapt to changes or make difficult decisions. It may also refer to books or writing that lack depth, originality, or substance. In the natural world, spineless often describes creatures that lack a traditional backbone, such as jellyfish or worms.

    Overall, spineless denotes a lack of strength, determination, or resilience, whether applied to individuals, entities, or physical attributes. It emphasizes weakness and a tendency to avoid taking a stand or facing challenges head-on.

Top Common Misspellings for SPINELESS *

* 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.

Other Common Misspellings for SPINELESS

Etymology of SPINELESS

The word "spineless" derives from the noun "spine", which originated from Old English "spina" and Latin "spina", meaning "thorn" or "spine". The suffix "-less" is an Old English suffix used to form adjectives denoting the absence or lack of something. Hence, "spineless" refers to someone or something lacking a spine, metaphorically describing a person as lacking courage, determination, or resilience.

Similar spelling words for SPINELESS

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