The word "surround" is spelled with two U's, but it's important to note that the second U is silent. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /səˈraʊnd/, where the "s" is pronounced as "suh," the first "u" as "uh," and the "a" as "ah." The "ou" diphthong in the middle is pronounced like the "ow" in "cow." Finally, the "nd" ending is pronounced as "nd," without any separate vowel sound. It's essential to master the correct spelling and pronunciation of words like "surround" to communicate effectively.
Surround is a verb that refers to the action of encircling or enclosing something or someone completely, resulting in its complete containment. It involves standing or existing on all sides of a particular object, individual, or place, effectively creating a border or boundary around it. This term can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. In its literal sense, surround can describe the act of encircling a physical entity, such as erecting a fence around a property or building walls around a city. This definition can also apply to the act of enveloping or encompassing an individual with a group of people or objects, as seen in providing protection or creating a barrier.
In a figurative sense, surround implies the act of being immersed or infiltrated by something, often suggesting overwhelming intensity or quantity. For instance, one might experience a sense of being surrounded by questions or problems when faced with numerous challenging situations or inquiries. Surround can also be used when discussing the positioning of audio speakers in order to create an immersive sound experience. Furthermore, this term can be applied to the sensation of being visually or mentally enclosed by an environment or circumstances. In conclusion, "surround" is a versatile verb that encompasses the act of encircling, enclosing, enveloping, or infiltrating, and holds both literal and figurative connotations.
To enclose on all sides; to encircle; to encompass; to fence about.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word "surround" originates from the Middle English word "surounden", which emerged in the 15th century. It is a combination of the prefix "sur-" meaning "over" or "beyond", and the root "round" derived from the Old French word "roond". Initially, "surround" was used to describe encircling or enclosing something, especially in a circular manner. Over time, it evolved to encompass the broader sense of encompassing or enclosing someone or something from all sides.