The phrase "wedge apart" is spelled with a "d" sound in the middle of "wedge" and "a" sound in the middle of "apart." In IPA phonetic transcription, the word "wedge" is spelled /wɛdʒ/ and "apart" is spelled /əˈpɑrt/. The "dʒ" in "wedge" represents the consonant sound made by combining "d" and "ʒ" sounds. The schwa sound in "apart" is represented by the upside-down "e" symbol and pronounced with the tongue relaxed in the middle of the mouth.
The term "wedge apart" refers to the act of forcefully separating or dividing two objects or entities that are closely joined or connected to each other. It involves the application of external force or pressure with the objective of creating space or distance between the two objects.
The verb "wedge" in this context refers to the action of inserting a wedge, a small triangular-shaped tool, between the objects to force them apart. A wedge is commonly used to create a gap or separation between tightly fit materials, such as wood, metal, or rocks. It serves as a lever, allowing the user to exert greater force, thereby pushing or pulling the objects apart.
The term "apart" is used to indicate the desired state or outcome of the action, emphasizing the intention of separating the two entities.
"Wedge apart" can also be used figuratively to describe actions or efforts aimed at dividing or separating groups, ideas, or individuals who are closely aligned or united. In this context, it refers to employing strategies or arguments to create a division or rift between people or concepts that were previously in agreement or close proximity.
Overall, "wedge apart" signifies the act of forcefully pushing or creating distance between objects, physically or metaphorically, that were initially joined or aligned.
The phrase "wedge apart" is a combination of the noun "wedge" and the verb "apart". The noun "wedge" can be traced back to the Old English word "wecg" and the Middle English word "weche", which both referred to a piece of material with a tapering shape, often used for splitting wood or holding objects in place. It has Germanic origins and is related to the Old High German word "wecchā" and the Old Norse word "veggr".The verb "apart" comes from the Old English word "onweard" meaning "to or against the outside" or "far away", which evolved into "ætweard" meaning "separate" or "divided". Eventually, it transformed into the Middle English word "apert" and finally became the modern English word "apart", referring to something being separated or distant.