The correct spelling of the word "struggled along" is /ˈstrʌɡəld əˈlɒŋ/. The first part, "struggled," is spelled with two G's to indicate the hard "g" sound, and the "le" consonant blend at the end is pronounced "əl." The second part, "along," uses the "a" sound as in "cat" followed by the "long o" sound, represented by the "ɒ" symbol. Together, these phonemes create the full pronunciation of the phrase, meaning to exert effort and move forward at the same time.
The phrase "struggled along" generally refers to the act of persisting in a difficult or challenging situation, characteristically featuring hardship and obstacles. It implies that a person or a group is making continuous efforts to move forward despite facing various difficulties or setbacks along the way. The term emphasizes the combination of both effort and difficulty in the process.
When one is said to have "struggled along," it suggests that they are persevering and pushing through adversity in order to reach a goal or maintain progress in a particular endeavor. It often applies to scenarios where the path to success is arduous or demanding, requiring determination, resilience, and tenacity to overcome the obstacles encountered. The phrase can be used to describe individuals or groups facing personal, professional, or societal challenges.
In this context, "struggled along" indicates a spirit of resilience and determination. It implies that the person or group being described is not giving up, even when faced with significant difficulties. Rather, they are persevering, taking small steps forward, gradually making progress despite the obstacles they encounter. The emphasis is on their commitment to keep trying, to persist through hardships, and to continue working towards their goals, albeit at a slower pace or with great effort.
The etymology of the phrase "struggled along" can be understood by examining the individual meanings of its constituent words.
1. Struggled: The word "struggled" originates from the Middle French word "estrugler" which meant "to struggle, wrestle". It later evolved into the Old French word "estrogler" and eventually to the Middle English word "strugglen". The term initially referred to physical wrestling or fighting, but it also came to describe an effort exerted against resistance or difficulty in general.
2. Along: The word "along" has Germanic roots and can be traced back to the Old English word "andlang" which meant "the entire length of". It was a combination of "and" (meaning "opposite, facing") and "lang" (meaning "long").