How Do You Spell USURIOUS?

Pronunciation: [juːzjˈʊɹɪəs] (IPA)

Usurious is a word that means charging unreasonably high interest rates on loans. The spelling of this word can be explained using the IPA phonetic transcription /juˈʒʊər.i.əs/. The first syllable is pronounced as "yu," similar to the word "you." The second syllable is pronounced as "zhur," with a soft "s" sound, like "measure." The last syllable is pronounced as "ee-us," like the word "serious." Remembering the correct spelling and pronunciation of usurious can help avoid confusion in financial discussions.

USURIOUS Meaning and Definition

1. The term "usurious" refers to an adjective that characterizes an act or practice involving an excessively high or unjustly exorbitant interest rate charged on a loan or an amount of money lent to an individual or entity. It pertains to a situation where the interest charged is deemed to be unreasonably excessive, exploitative, or unfair, typically exceeding the legal limits set by regulatory authorities.

   By definition, usurious rates are generally considered predatory or unethical, as they exploit the borrower's need for financial assistance and often contribute to the borrower falling into further debt. It is crucial to note that the specific interest rate that qualifies as usurious may vary between jurisdictions and legal systems.

   Typically, laws and regulations are established to protect individuals and businesses from engaging in usurious practices, with specific legal interest rate limits enforced to prevent extreme exploitation. Violating these regulations and charging excessive interest rates may not only lead to financial penalties but also result in potential legal consequences for the lender.

   Moreover, the adjective "usurious" can also be used more broadly to describe any situation, contract, or transaction that involves unfair or excessively exploitative terms, extending beyond the realm of loan interest rates. In this sense, it relates to any agreement or practice deemed excessively burdensome, oppressive, or inequitable in nature, often causing harm or disadvantage to one party involved.

2. Taking an exorbitant rate of interest for money.

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

Common Misspellings for USURIOUS

• uterious
• usrious
• luzurious
• urious
• sirious
• alusurious
• lusurious
• aserious
• cusrious
• uxurious
• sserious
• unsirious
• surious
• srious
• vsarious
• ubrious
• musturious
• Maurious
• surrious
• usourous
• usorius
• Lyfrious

Etymology of USURIOUS

The word "usurious" has its etymology rooted in the Latin word "usura", meaning "interest" or "usury". The term "usura" was later adopted into Old French as "usure" with the same meaning. By the 14th century, the English language incorporated the word as "usury" to describe the practice of lending money at exorbitant interest rates. From "usury", the adjective "usurious" emerged, signifying something that relates to or involves usury, particularly referring to excessive or unfair interest charges.

Similar spelling word for USURIOUS

• usuriously.