How Do You Spell WRAITHLIKE?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈe͡ɪθla͡ɪk] (IPA)

The word "wraithlike" is spelled with the letter combination "thl" which can be tricky to pronounce for some. It begins with the voiced "r" sound, then transitions to the unvoiced "th" sound, which is represented in IPA as /θ/. This is immediately followed by the voiced "l" sound represented as /l/. This combination results in a somewhat eerie sounding word that means ghostly or spectral in nature. Despite its spelling, it can be easily broken down and pronounced by understanding the unique phonetic sounds that make it up.

WRAITHLIKE Meaning and Definition

1. Wraithlike is an adjective used to describe something or someone that resembles or seems to be characteristic of a wraith. A wraith is traditionally depicted as a ghostly or shadowy figure, usually associated with darkness and death. The term wraithlike implies an ethereal or otherworldly appearance, evoking an eerie or haunting presence.

   When applied to a person, wraithlike suggests an extremely thin or emaciated figure, often with sunken eyes and pale complexion. Such individuals may appear fragile or ghostly, as if their physical form is fading away. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is demure, withdrawn, or introverted, as if they exist on the periphery of society or are constantly lost in their own thoughts.

   In a broader sense, wraithlike can also describe inanimate objects or phenomena that possess an elusive or unreal quality. For example, wisps of smoke might be described as wraithlike as they rise and dissipate into the air. Similarly, flickering lights or shadowy shapes in the mist can take on a wraithlike quality.

   Overall, wraithlike captures the essence of something or someone that is ghostly, insubstantial, or evanescent. Its usage conveys a sense of mystery, otherworldliness, and maybe even a touch of unease or the macabre.

Common Misspellings for WRAITHLIKE

• qraithlike
• araithlike
• sraithlike
• eraithlike
• 3raithlike
• 2raithlike
• weaithlike
• wdaithlike
• wfaithlike
• wtaithlike
• w5aithlike
• w4aithlike
• wrzithlike
• wrsithlike
• wrwithlike
• wrqithlike
• wrauthlike
• wrajthlike
• wrakthlike

Etymology of WRAITHLIKE

The word "wraithlike" is formed from the combination of two elements: "wraith" and "-like".

1. "Wraith": The term "wraith" originated from Scottish and Northern English dialects. It is derived from the Middle English word "wrawth" or "wrath", which meant "anger" or "fury". The Scottish Gaelic word "bhreac" or "bhraith" also influenced the term, meaning "to break" or "to twist". Over time, "wraith" has come to refer to a ghost or ghostlike apparition that is associated with someone's death.

2. "-like": The suffix "-like" is an English word-forming element that imparts the meaning of resemblance or similarity to the base word. It is derived from the Old English word "lic", which meant "body" or "corpse".

Similar spelling word for WRAITHLIKE

• wreathlike.