How Do You Spell WHITTLE?

Pronunciation: [wˈɪtə͡l] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "whittle" may seem a little peculiar, but it can be easily explained with the help of IPA phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced as /ˈwɪt(ə)l/, with a silent "h" and a short "i" sound in the first syllable, and a schwa sound in the second syllable. The letter "w" represents an initial glide, while the letter "t" is preceded by the voiced consonant "d" in some dialects. In short, the spelling of "whittle" reflects its pronunciation, which is typical of many English words.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Conjugate verb
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WHITTLE Meaning and Definition

  1. Whittle is a verb that refers to the action of carefully cutting or fashioning wood, typically using a knife, in order to thin, shape or carve it into a desired object or figure. This term is often associated with the skilled craftsmanship of sculpting or carving with intricate detail.

    When one uses a knife to whittle, they remove small shavings or chips of wood gradually, carefully shaping it into a particular form. This process involves precision, patience, and skill to achieve the desired outcome. Whittling can be done to create a wide range of items, from practical tools like spoons or walking sticks, to decorative objects like figurines or ornamental items.

    Traditionally, whittling has been a popular pastime and art form, often practiced by skilled artisans or hobbyists as a means of expressing their creativity and craftsmanship. It has also served as a way to relax and unwind, with its repetitive and meditative nature.

    In a broader sense, the term "whittle" can be used metaphorically to describe the gradual reduction or narrowing of something, such as the whittling down of a list or a budget. It implies a careful and deliberate process of elimination or refinement.

  2. • A small pocketknife.
    • To cut or pare sticks for amusement.

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

Top Common Misspellings for WHITTLE *

* 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.

Other Common Misspellings for WHITTLE

Etymology of WHITTLE

The word "whittle" originates from the Old English word "hwitlan", which means to "cut with a knife" or "carve". It is believed to be derived from the Proto-Germanic word "hwitjaną", meaning "to whittle" or "to sharpen". The root of the word, "hwit", refers to something being white or bright, probably alluding to the act of shaving or cutting away small pieces, revealing the pale color beneath. Over time, "hwitlan" transformed into "whittle", and the term is still commonly used to describe the act of carving or shaping wood with a knife.

Idioms with the word WHITTLE

  • whittle down The idiom "whittle down" means to gradually reduce or diminish the size, number, or complexity of something through a process of elimination, refinement, or careful attention. It can refer to paring down options or choices, streamlining a process or system, or cutting away unnecessary or excessive elements to achieve a desired outcome.
  • whittle away The idiom "whittle away" refers to the gradual or steady reduction, decrease, or diminishment of something, typically through small, incremental actions or processes. It often implies the notion of wearing down or slowly diminishing the size, quantity, or importance of someone or something over time.
  • whittle sm down to size The idiom "whittle somebody down to size" means to humble or reduce someone's pride, arrogance, or self-importance by criticizing, challenging, or defeating them. It suggests bringing someone back to a more realistic or manageable level, often through a process of confrontation or overcoming obstacles.
  • whittle sth down The idiom "whittle something down" means to gradually reduce or diminish the size, amount, or complexity of something. It typically refers to a methodical process of trimming or cutting away unnecessary or unwanted parts, eventually reaching a more manageable or concise state.
  • whittle at sth To "whittle at something" means to gradually and persistently reduce or diminish it. Just like the act of whittling wood, where small pieces are patiently and consistently shaved off, this idiom implies slowly chipping away or making gradual progress in achieving or reducing something. It suggests a methodical and patient approach towards accomplishing a goal or making gradual improvements.
  • whittle sth out of sth The idiom "whittle something out of something" means to carve or shape something from a larger material using a knife or other similar tools. It implies the act of carefully and skillfully removing small pieces from the material to create a desired object or shape. Additionally, it can be used metaphorically to describe the process of gradually achieving or creating something through persistent effort and dedication.
  • whittle sth down (to size) The idiom "whittle something down (to size)" means to gradually reduce or decrease something, typically by eliminating or getting rid of unnecessary or unimportant aspects, until it reaches a desired or appropriate size or quantity. It implies the process of carefully and systematically simplifying or refining something.
  • whittle sth away The idiom "whittle sth away" means to gradually reduce or diminish something, especially by continuous work, effort, or gradual erosion. It often refers to the slow but steady depletion or elimination of a resource, such as time, money, or power.

Similar spelling words for WHITTLE

Conjugate verb Whittle

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have whittled
you would have whittled
he/she/it would have whittled
we would have whittled
they would have whittled

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been whittling
you would have been whittling
he/she/it would have been whittling
we would have been whittling
they would have been whittling

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would whittle
you would whittle
he/she/it would whittle
we would whittle
they would whittle

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be whittling
you would be whittling
he/she/it would be whittling
we would be whittling
they would be whittling

FUTURE

I will whittle
you will whittle
he/she/it will whittle
we will whittle
they will whittle

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be whittling
you will be whittling
he/she/it will be whittling
we will be whittling
they will be whittling

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have whittled
you will have whittled
he/she/it will have whittled
we will have whittled
they will have whittled

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been whittling
you will have been whittling
he/she/it will have been whittling
we will have been whittling
they will have been whittling

IMPERATIVE

we Let´s whittle

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was whittling
you were whittling
he/she/it was whittling
we were whittling
they were whittling

PAST PARTICIPLE

whittled

PAST PERFECT

I had whittled
you had whittled
he/she/it had whittled
we had whittled
they had whittled

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been whittling
you had been whittling
he/she/it had been whittling
we had been whittling
they had been whittling

PRESENT

I whittle
you whittle
he/she/it whittles
we whittle
they whittle

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am whittling
you are whittling
he/she/it is whittling
we are whittling
they are whittling

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

whittling

PRESENT PERFECT

I have whittled
you have whittled
he/she/it has whittled
we have whittled
they have whittled

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been whittling
you have been whittling
he/she/it has been whittling
we have been whittling
they have been whittling

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it whittle

SIMPLE PAST

I whittled
you whittled
he/she/it whittled
we whittled
they whittled

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Correct spelling for whittle
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