The word "weird" is spelled with the digraph "ei" which makes the "long e" sound, and the consonant "r" in the end. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /wɪərd/ or /wɜrd/. The word comes from an Old English term "wyrd" meaning "fate, destiny or fortune". The spelling of the word is often misspelled because of its unusual spelling. The word can also be used as an adjective meaning strange, unusual, or bizarre.
Weird is an adjective that is frequently used to describe something or someone as strange, peculiar, or unusual in an unsettling or abnormal manner. The term may also convey a sense of being out of the ordinary or deviating from what is considered normal or expected.
When used to describe a person, "weird" suggests that their behavior, appearance, or interests are unconventional, idiosyncratic, or eccentric. It implies a level of unpredictability or a departure from the social norms or conventions commonly accepted by society. For instance, someone may be characterized as weird if they have unconventional hobbies or dress oddly.
In terms of objects or situations, "weird" is used to express a sense of unease or disquiet caused by their unfamiliarity or inexplicability. It implies a sense of the mysterious, the uncanny, or the supernatural. For example, a strange noise in an otherwise empty house might be described as weird.
Overall, the word "weird" carries a subjective connotation, as what one person may find weird, another may perceive as intriguing or fascinating. It is a term that highlights the peculiar and unusual aspects of individuals, things, or events while acknowledging their departure from the norm.
Pert. to the world of witches; supernatural; unearthly; wild and dreary.
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 "weird" can be traced back to the Old English word "wyrd" which means "fate" or "destiny". In Old English literature, "wyrd" was often associated with supernatural or unexplained events. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to refer to anything that seemed strange or uncanny. The modern spelling "weird" emerged in Middle English and has remained relatively unchanged since then.