The word "sworn" is spelled with a silent "w" which makes it sound similar to the word "sorn". The IPA phonetic transcription for "sworn" is /swɔːn/. The "sw" represents the /sw/ sound, followed by the long vowel sound represented by the letter "o" in the IPA transcription. The final "rn" together create the /n/ sound. This word may often be confused with its homophone "swan" which can lead to spelling errors if not properly distinguished.
The word "sworn" is an adjective derived from the verb "swear." It refers to something that has undergone a solemn pledge, declaration, or affirmation. When someone is "sworn," it means they have taken an oath or made a solemn promise, usually in a formal setting. This commitment can be to tell the truth, uphold a duty, abide by certain rules or principles, or support a particular cause. "Sworn" often implies a sense of devotion and loyalty, as it carries the weight of a binding commitment.
The term can also be used to describe a legally recognized or authorized individual who has taken an oath to perform specific duties or exercise certain powers within the framework of their profession or role. For example, a "sworn officer" is a law enforcement official who has taken an oath to uphold and enforce the law.
Additionally, "sworn" can be used to indicate something that is firmly believed or accepted as true by a person, group, or community. In this sense, it signifies a strong conviction or faith in a particular belief, idea, or theory. It suggests that the person or group completely trusts or has unwavering confidence in the veracity or validity of what they profess to be true.
• of Swear
• Affirmed on oath.
• Of swear, which see.
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 "sworn" has its etymology from the Old English word "swerian", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*swarjanan". The Proto-Germanic term ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "*swer-", meaning "to speak" or "to declare". Over time, the word "sworn" developed its current meaning of making a formal declaration or taking an oath.