How Do You Spell SPUR?

Pronunciation: [spˈɜː] (IPA)

The word "spur" is spelled with four letters, but its pronunciation can be a bit tricky. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is /spɜːr/, which shows that the second sound is not an "oo" as in "tour", but rather an "er" as in "her". This is because the word is derived from the Old Norse "spori", which means "spike or spur". The consonant blend "sp" at the beginning of the word adds to its sharp, pointed meaning.

SPUR Meaning and Definition

  1. Spur (noun) is defined as a pointed device, typically with a small spike or wheel at the end, designed to be worn on the heels of boots or shoes. It is used for urging a horse to move forward or to change direction while riding. Spurs are made of metal and are attached to the boots or shoes of riders by a strap that holds the device in place.

    In a figurative sense, spur (noun) refers to something that serves as a stimulus or incentive to prompt action or encourage progress. It can be a motivating factor, prompting one to act or propel forward. This usage often implies that the intention is to incite or catalyze an individual or group to achieve a specific goal or outcome.

    Spur (verb) is the associated action or process of using or applying spurs. In the context of riding, it means to make a horse move faster or change direction by using the spurs. In a metaphorical sense, spur (verb) means to motivate, encourage, or push someone to take action or achieve something.

    Overall, the term "spur" embodies the concept of a physical or metaphorical device that initiates or drives action, typically by adding momentum, encouraging progress, or inciting movement.

  2. A horny outgrowth from the skin; a dull spine or projection from a bone; a small projection from any structure, calcar.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • An instr. having a small wheel with sharp points, worn on the heels of boots, for inciting horses to further speed; any incitement or stimulus to increase effort; the sharp horny projection on a cock's leg; the largest and leading root of a tree; any projecting appendage of a flower or blossom having the appearance of a spur; anything standing out; a mountain branching from a range; anything resembling a spur.
    • To incite or urge forwards with a spur; to urge to more vigorous action; to incite; to impel; to press forward.

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

Common Misspellings for SPUR

Etymology of SPUR

The word "spur" has been derived from the Old English word "spura". This term can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic language, where it originated from the word "spuron", meaning "to kick" or "prick". Further tracing takes us to the Proto-Indo-European root "*spere-", which meant "to push" or "spike". Many Indo-European languages have similar words with related meanings, such as the Old Norse "spori" and the Middle Dutch "spore". The word "spur" itself has evolved over time to represent both the pointed instrument attached to the heel of a rider's boot and metaphorical meanings such as encouragement or motivation.

Idioms with the word SPUR

  • spur sb/sth on The idiom "spur sb/sth on" means to encourage, motivate, or incite someone or something to move forward or take action, especially in a determined and enthusiastic manner. It involves providing a boost or stimulus to someone or something to help them progress or achieve their goals.
  • spur sm on The idiom "spur someone on" means to motivate, encourage, or stimulate someone in order to take action or achieve a goal. It implies providing extra motivation or inspiration to someone, often in a challenging or difficult situation, with the intention of pushing them towards success.
  • on the spur of the moment The idiom "on the spur of the moment" refers to doing something suddenly or without prior planning or consideration. It suggests that the decision or action was taken in response to a sudden impulse or feeling, often without any forethought.

Similar spelling words for SPUR

Plural form of SPUR is SPURS

Conjugate verb Spur

CONDITIONAL

I would spur
you would spur
he/she/it would spur
we would spur
they would spur

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be spurring
you would be spurring
he/she/it would be spurring
we would be spurring
they would be spurring

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have spur
you would have spur
he/she/it would have spur
we would have spur
they would have spur

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been spurring
you would have been spurring
he/she/it would have been spurring
we would have been spurring
they would have been spurring

FUTURE

I will spur
you will spur
he/she/it will spur
we will spur
they will spur

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be spurring
you will be spurring
he/she/it will be spurring
we will be spurring
they will be spurring

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have spurred
you will have spurred
he/she/it will have spurred
we will have spurred
they will have spurred

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been spurring
you will have been spurring
he/she/it will have been spurring
we will have been spurring
they will have been spurring

IMPERATIVE

you spur
we let´s spur

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to spur

PAST

I spurred
you spurred
he/she/it spurred
we spurred
they spurred

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was spurring
you were spurring
he/she/it was spurring
we were spurring
they were spurring

PAST PARTICIPLE

spurred

PAST PERFECT

I had spurred
you had spurred
he/she/it had spurred
we had spurred
they had spurred

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been spurring
you had been spurring
he/she/it had been spurring
we had been spurring
they had been spurring

PRESENT

I spur
you spur
he/she/it spurs
we spur
they spur

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am spurring
you are spurring
he/she/it is spurring
we are spurring
they are spurring

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

spurring

PRESENT PERFECT

I have spurred
you have spurred
he/she/it has spurred
we have spurred
they have spurred

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been spurring
you have been spurring
he/she/it has been spurring
we have been spurring
they have been spurring
I would have spurred
we would have spurred
you would have spurred
he/she/it would have spurred
they would have spurred

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