How Do You Spell THROE?

Pronunciation: [θɹˈə͡ʊ] (IPA)

The word "throe" (/θroʊ/) refers to a severe spasm or agony. It is spelled with the "th" digraph which represents the voiceless dental fricative sound (/θ/). This sound is produced by placing the tongue between the teeth and blowing air out. The "oe" combination represents the long "o" vowel sound (/oʊ/), which is a diphthong that starts with the open-mid back rounded vowel (/o/) and ends with the close-mid back rounded vowel (/ʊ/). Thus, the spelling of "throe" correlates with its pronunciation.

THROE Meaning and Definition

  1. Throe is a noun that refers to a severe and intense physical or emotional pain or anguish. It is typically used in the plural form, "throes." The word originated from the Old English term "thrawu," meaning "a pang or pang of death."

    In its physical sense, throes describe the violent and uncontrollable contractions or spasms that often accompany intense pain, such as in childbirth or severe cramps. It can also be associated with other physical conditions that cause severe distress and convulsions.

    However, throes can also be used metaphorically to depict extreme emotional or mental torment. It highlights the anguish and turmoil experienced during a deeply distressing or traumatic event. For example, one might describe the "throes of grief" when mourning a significant loss, or someone going through the "throes of despair" when facing immense hopelessness or existential crisis.

    The word throes carries a connotation of being both intense and uncontrollable. It implies a state of being overwhelmed by pain or turmoil, often leaving the individual feeling helpless or powerless. Furthermore, it emphasizes the tremendous impact that the distress has on the affected person, suggesting that it is all-consuming and all-encompassing, dominating their thoughts and emotions.

  2. A severe pain or pang; the pain of childbirth.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. Extreme pain or agony; the pains of travail or child-birth.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for THROE *

* 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.

Other Common Misspellings for THROE

Etymology of THROE

The word "throe" has its origins in Middle English. It was derived from the Old English word "thrawu", which referred to anguish, suffering, or a violent spasm or convulsion. The Old English term ultimately comes from the Old Norse "þrǫ́a", which means to suffer or be in pain.

Similar spelling words for THROE

Plural form of THROE is THROES

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