The word "withheld", meaning to hold something back or keep it secret, is spelled with a silent "h" and pronounced /wɪθˈhɛld/. The "w" is pronounced as in "weep", the "i" as in "sit", the "th" combination as in "thin", and the "e" as in "end". The final "d" is pronounced softly, almost like a "t". This word is commonly misspelled as "wihheld" or "witheld", but remembering the silent "h" and proper pronunciation can ensure correct spelling.
Withheld is a verb that refers to the act of retaining or holding back information, facts, or evidence intentionally. It is commonly associated with the conscious decision to refrain from disclosing certain details or keeping something hidden. When someone withholds information, they choose not to reveal it, often due to a perceived need for secrecy, protection, or personal gain.
The term withheld can be used in various contexts, such as legal proceedings, business transactions, personal relationships, or official documents. For example, in a legal case, a witness may choose to withhold crucial information that could impact the outcome of the trial. In financial matters, an employer may withhold taxes from an employee's paycheck to comply with tax regulations.
Similarly, governments or organizations may withhold sensitive information to maintain national security or protect proprietary knowledge. In interpersonal relationships, individuals might withhold their emotions or thoughts to avoid conflict or maintain control over a situation.
The act of withholding can have positive or negative connotations, depending on the circumstances and intentions behind it. While it sometimes serves a legitimate purpose, such as preserving confidentiality, it may also be seen as dishonest or deceitful when used to manipulate or deceive others. Ultimately, the definition of withheld centers around the voluntary act of retaining information that could otherwise be disclosed.
• of Withhold
• Restrained; retained.
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 "withheld" can be broken down into two parts: "with" and "held".
The term "with" comes from the Old English word "wið", meaning "against" or "opposite". It eventually evolved to mean "accompanied by" or "in the company of". This sense of "with" is preserved in the word "withstand", which means to resist or oppose something.
The word "held" comes from the Old English verb "healdan", which means "to keep" or "to hold". It can also be used metaphorically to mean "to restrain" or "to keep back".
When we combine the two parts, "withheld" carries the meaning of keeping or restraining something, usually in the context of holding back or not giving out information, money, or anything else that may be expected.