The spelling of the word "Stiver" is quite straightforward once one becomes familiar with its pronunciation. The word is pronounced /ˈstaɪvər/ (st-eye-vuh), which is a combination of the consonant "st", followed by a diphthong "ai" and the vowel "uh". The word means a small coin and originates from the Dutch "stuiver". Although not commonly used today, it is still occasionally seen in literature or historical documents. Remember to spell it with only one "v" and an "i" instead of a "u".
Stiver is a noun that refers to a small amount of money or a minor monetary unit. Etymologically, it comes from the Dutch word "stuiver" which means "a small coin." Historically, the stiver was a currency unit used in several European countries, such as the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway.
In its most general sense, a stiver represents a small fraction of a main currency unit. For example, in the Netherlands in the 17th century, a stiver was equal to one-twentieth of a guilder. Similarly, in Denmark and Norway, the stiver served as the twentieth part of a rigsdaler or a speciedaler respectively. Over time, the value and circulation of the stiver varied based on economic conditions and monetary systems in different countries.
Today, the term "stiver" is primarily used in a figurative sense rather than as an actual currency unit. It is often employed to indicate a small, insignificant, or negligible amount of money. For instance, someone might say, "I wouldn't pay a stiver for that old chair." This usage highlights how the term has evolved to signify an amount of money that is of little value or importance.
In summary, a stiver is a minor monetary unit historically used in certain European countries, with a value that varied over time. Nowadays, it more commonly refers to a small or insignificant amount of money.
A Dutch penny-piece.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "stiver" has its origins in the Dutch language. It derives from the Dutch word "stuiver", which was a unit of currency in the Netherlands from the 17th to the 19th centuries. The term "stuiver" originally referred to a silver coin worth one-twentieth of a Dutch guilder. Over time, as the Dutch traded with other countries, the word and its value spread, leading to its adoption in other languages, including English. In English, "stiver" typically refers to a small denomination of money or a negligible amount.