How Do You Spell DE?

Pronunciation: [dˈə] (IPA)

The word "de" is a two-letter word that is used in French language. It is pronounced as [də], where the "ə" symbol represents the schwa sound, which is a short and unstressed vowel sound. The spelling of "de" is consistent with the phonetic transcription because the letter "d" represents the voiced dental plosive sound, which is followed by the schwa sound "ə". This common French word is often used as a preposition to indicate a possession or belonging to someone.

DE Meaning and Definition

  1. The word "de" is a preposition used in several languages, including Spanish, French, and Portuguese. It has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used.

    In Spanish, "de" primarily means "of" or "from". It indicates possession or origin, and it is used to describe relationships between objects or people. For example, "el libro de María" means "Maria's book" or "the book of Maria". Additionally, "de" can denote material composition, as in "una casa de madera" (a wooden house). It is also used to express measurements, such as "una botella de vino" (a bottle of wine).

    In French, "de" has a wider range of meanings. It can indicate possession, origin, or location. For example, "le livre de Pierre" means "Pierre's book" or "the book of Pierre", while "il vient de Paris" means "he comes from Paris". "De" can also express cause or reason, as in "mourir de faim" (to die of hunger), and it is used in comparisons, such as "plus grand que" (bigger than).

    In Portuguese, "de" carries similar meanings as in Spanish and French. It denotes possession, origin, and material composition. For example, "o carro de João" means "John's car" or "the car of John". Additionally, "de" can be used to indicate topics or subjects, as in "um livro de história" (a history book).

    Overall, "de" is a versatile preposition, employed in multiple languages to convey various relationships, origins, and possessions.

  2. A prefix carrying often a privative or negative sense; denoting away from, cessation; it has sometimes an intensive force.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. A moving down or from; separation or taking away: de often expresses a negative, and sometimes only augments the sense: de has the force of dis, asunder, as in derange, depart.

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

Top Common Misspellings for DE *

  • dev 45.4545454%
  • dey 4.5454545%
  • deg 4.5454545%

* 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 DE

Etymology of DE

The word "de" has multiple etymologies and meanings depending on the language.

1. In French:

The word "de" is derived from the Latin preposition "de" which means "from" or "about". It has been used in French since the Middle Ages and is commonly used as a preposition to indicate possession, origin, material, or cause. It can also be used as a partitive article in French.

2. In Spanish and Portuguese:

The word "de" in Spanish and Portuguese also comes from the Latin preposition "de". It is used as a preposition indicating origin, belonging, material, cause, or purpose.

3. In Romanian:

In Romanian, "de" is a preposition originating from the Latin preposition "de". It is commonly used to indicate possession, origin, destination, or manner.

Idioms with the word DE

  • de trop The idiom "de trop" is a French expression that translates to "to be too much" or "superfluous" in English. It refers to something or someone being unnecessary, excessive, or out of place in a given situation.
  • l'esprit de l'escalier "L'esprit de l'escalier" is a French idiom that translates to "staircase wit" in English. It refers to the phenomenon of thinking of the perfect comeback or response only after leaving a conversation or a situation. It describes the moment when you come up with a clever or witty response, but it is too late to share it, often when you are on your way out or when you have already left the place. The idiom suggests that one's mind is sharp only when it is "on the stairs" or after the opportunity has passed.
  • tour de force The idiom "tour de force" refers to an impressive or highly skilled performance or accomplishment that showcases great proficiency, expertise, or artistic skill. It denotes an act or work that is remarkable, exceptional, and often awe-inspiring in its execution or presentation.
  • de rigeur The idiom "de rigueur" refers to something that is considered necessary, customary, or expected in a particular situation or setting. It implies that something is a standard or required practice.
  • fin de siècle The idiom "fin de siècle" refers to the end of a century, particularly the end of the 19th century, often associated with a sense of decadence, decline, or uncertainty about the future. It can also refer to a period in history marked by cultural, artistic, and intellectual transitions.
  • a tour de force The idiom "a tour de force" refers to an exceptional, impressive display or achievement in a specific field or discipline. It typically describes a performance, work of art, or accomplishment that demonstrates great skill, mastery, or creativity, often surpassing expectations and leaving a lasting impact.
  • explication de texte The idiom "explication de texte" refers to the process of critically analyzing and interpreting a written text, typically a literary work, to uncover and articulate its underlying meaning or message. It involves a detailed and systematic examination of the text's language, structure, themes, symbolism, and cultural context, aiming to provide a thorough understanding and explanation of its various layers of significance. Often used in literary and academic contexts, explication de texte requires careful evaluation and close reading to uncover the intended or implicit meanings within a text.
  • the pièce de résistance The idiom "the pièce de résistance" refers to the most outstanding or impressive feature, element, or accomplishment of something. It is often used to describe the most notable or striking aspect or component that surpasses all others. The term originates from French, with "pièce" meaning "piece" or "part" and "résistance" meaning "resistance" or "defiance."
  • creme de la creme The idiom "creme de la creme" is a French phrase that figuratively translates to "cream of the cream" in English. It is used to describe someone or something as being the absolute best, of the highest quality, or the most outstanding in a particular group or category.
  • esprit de corps The idiom "esprit de corps" refers to a feeling of loyalty, camaraderie, and spirit of unity among members of a group or organization. It encapsulates the shared sense of purpose, morale, and team spirit that binds individuals together, fostering a strong and cohesive team or community.
  • de facto The definition of the idiom "de facto" is: in practice or in fact, regardless of any legal authority or official designation.
  • creme de la creme The idiom "crème de la crème" refers to the best of the best or the highest quality in a particular group or category. It is often used to describe top-tier individuals, objects, or ideas that stand out due to their superior excellence or distinction.
  • coup de grâce The idiom "coup de grâce" refers to a final blow, action, or event that ensures the defeat, destruction, or ending of something or someone. It is often used metaphorically to describe a decisive action or event that brings about the conclusive downfall or demise of a situation, argument, or person.
  • droit de seigneur "Droit de seigneur" is a French idiomatic expression, which literally translates to "right of the lord" in English. It historically refers to the supposed feudal right claimed by a lord of the manor to have sexual relations with the bride of his vassals on their wedding night. It is commonly used metaphorically to describe any perceived abuse of power or privilege.
  • fin de sicle The idiom "fin de siècle" refers to the end of a century, particularly the turn of the 19th to the 20th century. It is commonly used to describe the cultural, artistic, and intellectual climate during this period, characterized by decadence, ennui, and anticipation of significant changes or the end of an era. It can also refer to a nostalgic or retrospective view of this era in art, literature, and fashion.
  • de jure The idiom "de jure" refers to something that is legally or officially recognized or established. It pertains to the rightful or legitimate status, authority, or process according to laws and regulations.
  • joie de vivre The idiom "joie de vivre" is a French phrase that translates to "joy of living" in English. It refers to the enthusiastic enjoyment of life, a zest for existence, and an exuberant appreciation of the pleasures life has to offer. It encompasses a positive attitude, embracing the good moments, and an overall sense of happiness and vitality. This idiom often implies a love for life's simple pleasures and a desire to make the most out of each moment.
  • a coup de grce The idiom "a coup de grâce" refers to a final, decisive blow or action that ends or finishes something, especially to bring about the defeat or death of an opponent. It is often used to describe a last, definitive act or event that concludes a situation or puts an end to someone's hopes, abilities, or aspirations.
  • crème de la crème
  • your/the ˌpièce de réˈsistance
  • corps de bal·let Corps de ballet is a term used in ballet to refer to the ensemble or group of dancers who perform together as a unified body in a performance. They typically perform in the background or as supporting dancers to the lead roles in a ballet production.
  • ex·pli·ca·tion de texte Explanation or analysis of a text, usually a literary or scholarly work, to uncover and understand its deeper meanings, themes, and implications. This term is commonly used in academic settings to refer to the detailed examination of a text to interpret its significance.

Similar spelling words for DE

Plural form of DE is DES

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