How Do You Spell SPY?

Pronunciation: [spˈa͡ɪ] (IPA)

The word "spy" is spelled with three letters- s, p, and y. The s and p are pronounced exactly as they are written; however, the y sound can be represented by various letters in different words. In the case of "spy," the y sound is represented by the letter y. The IPA phonetic transcription of "spy" is /spaɪ/. This means that the s is pronounced as /s/, the p as /p/, and the y as /aɪ/.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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SPY Meaning and Definition

  1. A spy, noun, refers to an individual who engages in the covert observation and collection of information or secrets from another individual, organization, or government entity, typically without their knowledge or consent. Spies are commonly employed by intelligence agencies, military organizations, or clandestine operations to gather classified or sensitive information for strategic, political, or military purposes.

    The main objective of a spy is to infiltrate the targeted group or organization and obtain vital information, such as military plans, technological advancements, political strategies, or economic intelligence. Spies often operate under deep cover, assuming false identities or disguises to blend seamlessly into their surroundings while avoiding detection.

    Spies employ various surveillance techniques like eavesdropping, monitoring communications, hacking into computer systems, and conducting physical surveillance to gather information discreetly. Their work necessitates exceptional skills in observation, analysis, linguistic proficiency, and adaptability to diverse environments.

    While viewed with intrigue in popular culture, spying is generally considered illegal and an act of espionage, punishable under both domestic and international laws. Individuals discovered to be engaging in spying activities are often subject to serious consequences, including imprisonment or expulsion from the host country.

    The concept of spying has an extensive historical backdrop, as it has been present throughout human civilization. Spies have played crucial roles in shaping the outcome of significant events, battles, and political maneuvers, making intelligence gathering an essential element for national security and global affairs.

  2. • One who secretly watches the conduct, condition, actions, &c., of a person, in order to report them to another; a secret agent; one who secretly conveys the transactions of others; a secret agent; one who secretly conveys the transactions of others.
    • To discover at a distance; to gain sight of; to inspect or examine secretly; to find out by artifice; to play the spy.

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

Top Common Misspellings for SPY *

* 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 SPY

Etymology of SPY

The word "spy" originated from the Old French word "espier" meaning "to watch over, spy on, or observe". It can be traced further back to the Latin word "specere" which means "to look". The term evolved over time to refer to someone who secretly watches or gathers information on others, often for espionage purposes.

Idioms with the word SPY

  • spy (up)on sm or sth The idiom "spy (up)on someone or something" refers to secretly observing or monitoring another person or thing, usually to gather information or keep tabs on their activities without their knowledge or consent. It implies covert surveillance or spying, often with the intention of acquiring hidden or confidential details.
  • spy out The idiom "spy out" means to secretly or discreetly gather information or intelligence on someone or something. It often implies a covert or hidden act of observation in order to gain knowledge or insights.
  • spy out the land The idiom "spy out the land" means to thoroughly understand and assess a situation or place before taking any action. It refers to the act of investigating, gathering information, or exploring in order to gain knowledge and insights before making decisions or formulating plans.

Similar spelling words for SPY

Plural form of SPY is SPIES

Conjugate verb Spy

CONDITIONAL

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

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

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

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

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

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

you spy
we let´s spy

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to spy

PAST

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

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

spied

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I spy
you spy
he/she/it spies
we spy
they spy

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

spying

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been spying
you have been spying
he/she/it has been spying
we have been spying
they have been spying
I would have spied
we would have spied
you would have spied
he/she/it would have spied
they would have spied

Infographic

Correct spelling for spy
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