How Do You Spell FOUL?

Pronunciation: [fˈa͡ʊl] (IPA)

The word "foul" is spelled /faʊl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first sound is /f/, which is a voiceless labiodental fricative. The second sound is /aʊ/, which is a diphthong that begins with an open back unrounded vowel /a/, and ends with a near-close near-back rounded vowel /ʊ/. The last sound is /l/, which is a voiced alveolar lateral approximant. The word can have different meanings, referring to a bird or an unpleasant smell, or describing an unfair or unsportsmanlike behavior in sports.

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

  1. Foul is an adjective often used to describe something that is offensive, unpleasant, or morally unacceptable. It refers to actions, substances, or situations that are considered objectionable, dirty, or harmful. Foul can also be used to denote a strong and unpleasant odor, taste, or appearance. In sports, the term foul is primarily associated with violations and infractions committed by players during a game, resulting in penalties or the interruption of play.

    In a broader context, foul can refer to behavior that is dishonest, unfair, or deceitful, especially in relation to playing a game or competition. It can also describe language or speech that is offensive, vulgar, or profane. Foul language is often considered inappropriate or offensive in formal or polite settings.

    As a verb, foul means to do something that violates rules, regulations, or standards. It can also refer to the act of making something dirty, contaminating it, or causing it to have an unpleasant smell. Additionally, foul can be used to describe the act of obstructing or impeding someone or something.

    Overall, foul denotes actions, substances, situations, or behavior that are offensive, morally unacceptable, dishonest, unfair, or obstructive. Its usage can vary depending on the context, but it generally indicates something undesirable or objectionable.

  2. • A bird.
    • Not clean; offensive; dirty; coarse; disgraceful; rainy or tempestuous-applied to weather; entangled; dangerous.
    • To make filthy; to defile.

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

Top Common Misspellings for FOUL *

* 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 FOUL

Etymology of FOUL

The word "foul" has its origins in Old English. It comes from the Old English word "fūl" (pronounced "fool"), which meant "dirty, unclean". This Old English word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "fula", meaning "foul, rotten".

The Middle English form of the word was also "foul", and it maintained the same basic meaning of being dirty or unclean. Over time, additional senses developed, including the idea of something being morally or spiritually impure.

In modern English, the word "foul" has expanded in meaning to encompass various negative connotations. It can refer to something that is dirty, offensive, or repulsive. Additionally, it is used to describe actions or behavior that is unfair, dishonest, or unethical. In the context of sports, "foul" is also used to denote a violation of the rules.

Idioms with the word FOUL

  • foul up The idiom "foul up" means to make a mistake or error, to mess up, or to cause confusion or disorder in a situation or task.
  • foul sm or sth up The idiom "foul something up" means to make a mistake or mess up something, resulting in a negative outcome or disruption. It is often used when someone hinders or sabotages something, causing it to go wrong or become unsuccessful.
  • foul play The idiom "foul play" refers to any illegal or dishonest acts, especially those involving deceit, dishonesty, cheating, or violence in order to gain an advantage or harm others. It often suggests unethical or immoral behavior, particularly in relation to criminal activities or misconduct that involves deception, manipulation, or harm to others.
  • foul one's own nest The idiom "foul one's own nest" means to harm or damage one's own environment, situation, reputation, or relationships through one's own actions or behavior. It refers to negatively impacting the very things or people that are essential for one's well-being.
  • foul out The idiom "foul out" refers to the act of being disqualified or removed from a game or competition due to excessive fouls or rule violations, particularly in sports such as basketball or baseball.
  • run foul of The idiom "run foul of" means to come into conflict or disagreement with someone or something, often resulting in negative consequences or consequences that are against one's favor. It implies encountering problems, opposition, or getting into trouble with someone or something.
  • run foul of (someone or something) The idiom "run foul of (someone or something)" means to come into conflict, disagreement, or noncompliance with someone or something. It suggests encountering opposition, disfavor, or a negative consequence due to a person's actions, behaviors, or decisions.
  • foul-mouthed The idiom "foul-mouthed" refers to a person who frequently uses vulgar or offensive language when speaking. It describes someone who has a tendency to speak in a rude, profane, or disrespectful manner.
  • foul one's nest To "foul one's nest" means to act in a way that harms oneself or damages one's own interests or reputation. It refers to engaging in behavior that ultimately brings negative consequences or erodes one's own foundation or comfort.
  • foul your own nest The idiom "foul your own nest" means to engage in behavior that harms oneself or one's own reputation, interests, or environment. It refers to the act of causing damage, distress, or negativity within one's own personal or professional life.
  • foul mouth The idiom "foul mouth" refers to someone who frequently uses offensive, vulgar, or profane language while speaking. It describes a person who has a habit of using inappropriate or offensive words.
  • fall (a)foul of sm or sth The idiom "fall (a)foul of someone or something" means to come into conflict or disagreement with someone or something, often resulting in negative consequences or difficulties. It can refer to violating rules, regulations, or expectations and facing the repercussions for those actions.
  • foul out (of sth) The idiom "foul out (of sth)" is used in the context of sports, particularly basketball, and it refers to a player being disqualified from a game due to an excessive number of fouls. When a player commits a certain number of fouls as determined by the rules of the game, they are forced to leave the game and are unable to participate further. Thus, "foul out (of sth)" means to be removed or disqualified from an event or competition due to accumulating a specific number of fouls or rule violations.
  • no harm, no foul The idiom "no harm, no foul" typically means that if no damage or injury has been caused, then no offense or wrongdoing has occurred. It suggests that without any negative consequences, there is no need for punishment or retribution.
  • fall foul of sb/sth The idiom "fall foul of sb/sth" means to come into conflict, disagreement, or opposition with someone or something. It often implies facing negative consequences or experiencing difficulties as a result of this conflict or opposition.
  • fall foul of The idiom "fall foul of" means to come into conflict or disagreement with someone or something, often resulting in negative consequences or punishment. It implies an unfortunate or unwanted situation where someone finds themselves in a conflict or disagreement that they didn't intend or expect.
  • cry foul The idiom "cry foul" means to protest or express discontent or outrage at a situation, action, or decision, often suggesting that it is unfair or dishonest. It refers to the act of objecting or complaining vehemently about something.
  • fall foul of sb The idiom "fall foul of sb" means to come into conflict or disagreement with someone, usually resulting in negative consequences or experiencing their disapproval or anger.
  • foul someone or something up The idiom "foul someone or something up" means to cause confusion, dysfunction, or disruption to someone or something, often resulting in negative consequences or failure. It implies creating disorder, making mistakes, or interfering with the normal functioning or progress of a person, project, or situation.
  • foul ball The idiom "foul ball" typically refers to a baseball term but can be used metaphorically. Literal Definition: In the context of baseball, a foul ball refers to a batted ball that lands outside the foul lines, which designate the boundaries of fair play. A foul ball is considered an invalid hit and results in a strike against the batter, unless it is the third strike, which then leads to an out. Metaphorical Definition: Metaphorically, "foul ball" can be used to describe a situation or action that is deemed unfair, improper, or not in accordance with the rules or standards. It implies that something has deviated from the expected or acceptable norms or practices.
  • use foul language The idiom "use foul language" refers to the act of speaking profanely or using offensive and vulgar words in conversation. It signifies the use of inappropriate or disrespectful language that may be considered offensive by others.
  • fall foul of sth The idiom "fall foul of sth" means to come into conflict or disagreement with something, often resulting in negative consequences or trouble. It refers to finding oneself in a situation where one's actions or behavior go against the rules, regulations, or expectations, leading to difficulties or problems.
  • by fair means or foul The idiom "by fair means or foul" means that a person is willing to achieve their goal or succeed in something using any method available to them, whether it is fair and ethical or dishonest and unfair. This idiom implies that the person is determined and willing to do whatever it takes, regardless of the moral or legal implications.
  • foul out (of something) The idiom "foul out (of something)" typically refers to being disqualified or removed from a game or competition due to accumulating a certain number of fouls or rule violations. This can happen in sports such as basketball or baseball when a player exceeds the permitted limit of fouls, resulting in their dismissal from the game.
  • foul up sth The idiom "foul up something" means to make a mistake or error that results in something becoming chaotic, disorganized, or unsuccessful. It refers to the act of messing up or botching a task, plan, or situation due to one's own actions or negligence.
  • party foul The idiom "party foul" refers to a social error or misstep committed at a party or gathering, typically involving inappropriate behavior or breaking unspoken rules of etiquette. It is used to describe actions that may disrupt the atmosphere or cause discomfort to others in attendance.
  • fall (a)foul The idiom "fall (a)foul" means to come into conflict or disagreement with someone or something, often resulting in trouble, difficulty, or opposition.
  • fall (a)foul of (someone or something) To come into conflict, disagreement, or opposition with someone or something.

Similar spelling words for FOUL

Plural form of FOUL is FOULS

Conjugate verb Foul

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have fouled
you would have fouled
he/she/it would have fouled
we would have fouled
they would have fouled
I would have foul
you would have foul
he/she/it would have foul
we would have foul
they would have foul

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

you foul
we let´s foul

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to foul

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

fouled

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I foul
you foul
he/she/it fouls
we foul
they foul

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

fouling

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it foul

SIMPLE PAST

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

Infographic

Correct spelling for foul
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