Pronunciation: [vˈɜːdjʊ͡ə] (IPA) 
Verdure, pronounced /ˈvɜːrdjər/, is a noun that means lush green vegetation, especially in a landscape. The spelling of this word is unusual as it is not pronounced as it is written. The ‘d’ in ‘verdure’ is silent, making it sound as ‘ver-jər’. The ‘r’ in the second syllable is not emphasized, and the final ‘e’ is also silent. The word has French origin, which explains its distinct spelling and pronunciation.
Verdure, as a noun, is primarily defined as the lush greenery or vegetation that covers a landscape or a particular area. It refers to the fresh, vibrant, and verdant plants, trees, grass, and foliage that contribute to the beauty and aesthetic appeal of nature. The term is often used to depict the visual aspect of a natural environment or to describe the overall greenness of a place, signaling its richness and fertility.
Furthermore, verdure can also refer to the symbolical representation of growth, vitality, and life. In literature or art, it is often used as a metaphor for the flourishing or renewal of life, especially after a period of hardship or adversity. Symbolically, verdure embodies the rejuvenation and resilience of nature and can express themes of hope, rejuvenation, and renewal.
Additionally, the term verdure can be employed in a figurative sense to describe a person's vigor, liveliness, or youthful appearance. It can be used to convey someone's energy, vitality, or overall state of health, attributing them with a youthful and fresh aura.
In summary, verdure encapsulates both the physical aspect of lush green vegetation as well as the metaphorical representation of vitality, growth, and renewal. It embodies the natural beauty of a landscape, its ability to flourish, and serves as a symbol of life's enduring resilience and rejuvenation.
Greenness; the fresh colour of vegetation.
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 verdure comes from the Old French word verdure which means greenness or greenery. It is derived from the Latin word viridis, meaning green.
