The spelling of the word "watertight" may seem confusing, but it follows common English phonetic patterns. The "w" sound is followed by the "ah" vowel sound, represented by the IPA symbol /ɑ/. Then, the "t" and "er" sounds come together to create a "tuh-er" sound, represented by the IPA symbol /tər/. Finally, the "t" sound is repeated at the end. So, the phonetic transcription of "watertight" is /ˈwɑtərˌtaɪt/.
Watertight is an adjective that describes something that is impermeable to liquid or completely sealed so that water cannot enter or escape. It suggests a high level of resistance to the passage or penetration of water, making it waterproof.
In a literal sense, watertight refers to objects, structures, or containers designed to prevent water from seeping or leaking through. This can include various materials, seals, or gaskets incorporated to create a barrier against water. Whether it is a watertight container, pipe, or ship, the primary objective is to maintain a physical integrity that prevents water from entering or leaving.
Figuratively, watertight is used to describe logical, legal, or factual arguments, agreements, or systems that are sound and cannot be contested or disproven. In this context, it suggests something that is airtight or foolproof, leaving no room for contradiction or doubt. A watertight contract or case implies it is well-constructed and leaves no room for ambiguity, protecting all parties involved.
In summary, watertight refers to something that is impervious or sealed against the passage of water, ensuring no leakage or seepage. Whether it pertains to physical objects or abstract concepts, it denotes the highest level of impermeability, guaranteeing a reliable barrier or system that is unassailable.
* 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 "watertight" is derived from the combination of the words "water" and "tight". "Water" comes from the Old English word "wæter", which can be traced back to the Germanic root word "watar". "Tight" has its origins in the Old Norse word "tetr", meaning tightly packed or closely fitted. The term "watertight" emerged in the early 17th century, describing something that is completely impermeable to water.