How Do You Spell TON?

Pronunciation: [tˈʌn] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "ton" is relatively simple. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as /tʌn/. The sound is produced by placing the tongue behind the top front teeth and releasing a short burst of air. The "t" sound is followed by the "uh" sound, commonly known as the schwa vowel. Finally, the word ends with the "n" sound, produced by touching the tip of the tongue to the roof of the mouth. All together, "ton" is spelled with three letters, but has three distinct sounds.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
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TON Meaning and Definition

  1. Ton is a unit of weight primarily used in the context of measurements and comparisons. It is commonly abbreviated as "T" and represents a large measurement of mass. There are various definitions of a ton depending on the system of measurement used, but the most widely recognized definitions in various contexts are as follows:

    1. Short Ton: In the United States, a short ton is equivalent to 2,000 pounds (907.185 kilograms). This measure is primarily used in trade, engineering, and the petroleum industry.

    2. Long Ton: In the United Kingdom, a long ton is equal to 2,240 pounds (1,016.047 kilograms), which is slightly larger than a short ton. It is utilized in shipping, especially when dealing with large loads and cargo.

    3. Metric Ton: Also known as a tonne, the metric ton is the most common unit of tonnage globally. It is equivalent to 1,000 kilograms (2,204.623 pounds) and serves as the standard measurement for international trade, scientific research, and industrial processes.

    The term "ton" is widely used to describe the weight of extremely heavy objects, such as vehicles, cargo, or large animals. It facilitates easy comprehension and comparison, especially when dealing with significant quantities or massive loads.

  2. • A weight of 20 cwt.; in ship-measuring, 40 cubic feet, by which the burden of a ship is estimated.
    • The prevailing fashion; high mode.

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

Top Common Misspellings for TON *

* 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 TON

Etymology of TON

The word "ton" has a few different etymologies depending on its usage.

1. As a unit of weight:

- In this sense, "ton" is derived from the Old English word "tunne" or "tun", which referred to a large cask or barrel used to hold liquids like wine or ale. Over time, it began to be used as a unit of weight to measure the amount of goods that could be carried in a tun. This usage dates back to at least the 14th century.

2. As a unit of volume:

- The word "ton" in this context originated from Middle French "tonneau", which meant a large barrel or container. It was used to measure volume, specifically the capacity of wine barrels used in France. This usage of the word entered English in the late 17th century.

Idioms with the word TON

  • (hit you) like a ton of bricks The idiom "(hit you) like a ton of bricks" means to come as a sudden and extremely powerful realization or impact that is overwhelming, shocking, or startling. It implies that something has struck someone with great force and intensity, leaving them feeling stunned, surprised, or deeply affected.
  • be down on (one) like a ton of bricks The idiom "be down on (one) like a ton of bricks" means to criticize, disapprove of, or be harshly judgmental towards someone with great intensity or severity. Essentially, it refers to expressing strong negative feelings or giving someone a scathing response or reaction.
  • come down like a ton of bricks The idiom "come down like a ton of bricks" means to severely criticize or punish someone in a sudden and forceful manner. It implies that the person facing the consequences is dealt with harshly and without any leniency.
  • be/come down on sb like a ton of bricks The idiom "be/come down on someone like a ton of bricks" means to reprimand, criticize, or punish someone severely and with great force or intensity. It implies that the person delivering the consequences does so in a harsh, sudden, and relentless manner, leaving the recipient feeling overwhelmed or crushed.
  • hit sb like a ton of bricks The idiom "hit someone like a ton of bricks" means to surprise or shock someone profoundly and unexpectedly. It describes the sensation of being mentally or emotionally overwhelmed by a sudden event, news, or realization. The impact is often intense and immediate, leaving the person feeling stunned or overwhelmed.
  • come down on sb like a ton of bricks The idiom "come down on sb like a ton of bricks" means to punish or criticize someone severely and relentlessly. It implies that the person facing the consequences will be weighed down or overwhelmed by the intensity of the punishment or criticism, similar to the impact of a heavy load being dropped suddenly.
  • come down on (one) like a ton of bricks The idiom "come down on (one) like a ton of bricks" means to criticize, reprimand, or punish someone severely and unexpectedly, usually for a mistake, misbehavior, or wrongdoing. It implies a swift and intense reaction, as if a heavy weight has fallen upon the person at fault.
  • come down on someone like a ton of bricks The idiom "come down on someone like a ton of bricks" means to criticize, reprimand, or punish someone severely and fiercely, often unexpectedly and without mercy. It conveys the idea of intense and uncompromising judgment or scrutiny directed towards an individual or group.
  • weigh a ton The idiom "weigh a ton" means to feel extremely heavy or burdensome. It is used to describe a situation, task, or responsibility that feels overwhelming or difficult to manage.
  • hit (one) like a ton of bricks The idiom "hit (one) like a ton of bricks" means to have a sudden and overwhelming impact on someone, usually in a negative or shocking way. It implies being surprised or affected intensely by something unexpected or significant, akin to the weight and force of a ton of bricks suddenly falling upon a person.
  • be/come down on somebody like a ton of bricks The idiom "be/come down on somebody like a ton of bricks" means to criticize, reprimand, or punish someone severely and with great intensity or force. It implies that the person being confronted will be dealt with harshly or subjected to intense scrutiny.
  • be down on like a ton of bricks The idiom "be down on like a ton of bricks" means to harshly criticize, condemn, or disapprove intensely of someone or something. It implies a strong and forceful negative reaction or judgment.
  • hit like a ton of bricks The idiom "hit like a ton of bricks" is used to describe something that has a sudden and powerful impact, causing shock or surprise. It implies that something unexpected or significant has occurred, leaving a strong and immediate impression, similar to the forceful impact of a heavy load of bricks.
  • like a ton of bricks The idiom "like a ton of bricks" means with great force, intensity, or suddenness. It is often used to describe something that has a strong impact or comes as a surprise, overwhelming or shocking someone.

Similar spelling words for TON

Plural form of TON is TONS

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Correct spelling for ton
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