How Do You Spell THE CRADLE?

Pronunciation: [ðə kɹˈe͡ɪdə͡l] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "the cradle" is phonetically represented as /ðə ˈkreɪdəl/. The first sound in "the" is a voiced th, which is a continuous sound made by placing the tip of the tongue between the teeth and blowing air out. The second word "cradle" starts with a k sound, which is a voiceless consonant formed by stopping and releasing the flow of air using the back of the tongue against the soft palate. The word's final syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound /ə/, which means it is unstressed.

THE CRADLE Meaning and Definition

1. The cradle refers to a noun that predominantly signifies an object or place designed to hold or support a baby in a lying or resting position. It is typically a small, sturdy bed or frame, often equipped with handles and rockers or swinging mechanisms, intended to keep infants safe and comfortable. The main purpose of the cradle is to provide a nurturing and secure space for babies to rest, sleep, or be soothed. Traditionally made from wood, cradles can also be constructed using other materials such as metal, plastic, or wicker. The design of a cradle often features a solid base or structure with high sides to prevent the baby from rolling or falling out, accompanied by a soft mattress or padding for added comfort.

   Moreover, beyond its literal sense, "the cradle" can also metaphorically refer to the place where something originated, was nurtured, or experienced significant growth. In this context, it represents the starting point or birthplace of an idea, movement, or civilization. For instance, a person might say, "Rome is considered the cradle of Western civilization," meaning that Rome is recognized as the historical birthplace and nurturer of key cultural, intellectual, and societal foundations that influenced the development of Western societies and civilizations. Similarly, it could be used to symbolize the beginning or infancy stage of any concept, organization, or phenomenon.

Common Misspellings for THE CRADLE

• rhe cradle
• fhe cradle
• ghe cradle
• yhe cradle
• 6he cradle
• 5he cradle
• tge cradle
• tbe cradle
• tne cradle
• tje cradle
• tue cradle
• tye cradle
• thw cradle
• ths cradle
• thd cradle
• thr cradle
• th4 cradle
• th3 cradle
• the xradle
• the vradle

Etymology of THE CRADLE

The word "cradle" originated from the Old English word "cradol", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "kradolaz". This ancestral term is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "gre-", meaning "to grow" or "to arise". "Cradle" referred to a small bed or framework, often suspended, in which infants are placed to sleep or rest. The term "the cradle" is typically used to refer to the place or origin or early development of something, as it symbolizes the beginning or nurturing of life.

Idioms with the word THE CRADLE

• the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world The idiom "the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world" means that those who have the primary influence in raising children or shaping young minds have significant power and impact over the future. It suggests that the caregivers, typically mothers, who nurture and educate children ultimately have the ability to shape society and the world through the values and beliefs they instill in the younger generation.
• the cradle of sth The idiom "the cradle of something" refers to the place or area where a particular thing or idea originated or was nurtured. It is often used metaphorically to describe the birthplace or location of significant cultural, intellectual, or historical developments.
• rob the cradle The idiom "rob the cradle" typically refers to when an older person enters into a romantic or sexual relationship with a much younger person, usually implying that the age difference is significant or notable. It implies that the older person is "robbing" or taking advantage of the younger person's innocence or inexperience.
• The hand that rocks the cradle The idiom "The hand that rocks the cradle" refers to the significant influence and power that a woman, particularly a mother, wields in nurturing and shaping the upbringing of a child or children. It emphasizes the profound impact of maternal care, guidance, and values on a child's development and future.
• robbing the cradle The idiom "robbing the cradle" refers to a situation where one person, typically an older individual, is romantically involved or dating someone significantly younger than themselves. This expression implies that the older person is taking advantage of the younger person's relative inexperience or vulnerability, figuratively compared to the act of stealing from a crib or cradle.