How Do You Spell GAUNTLET?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈɔːntlət] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "gauntlet" can be a bit tricky. The word, which refers to a type of armored glove, is pronounced /ˈɡɔːntlɪt/ (GAWNT-let). The spelling of the word includes the silent "u" in the middle of the word, which can often be confusing. The correct spelling is "gauntlet," not "gantlet" which is pronounced differently (/ˈɡæntlɪt/). So, next time you come across this word, remember to keep that "u" silent!

GAUNTLET Meaning and Definition

  1. A gauntlet is a noun that refers to a protective glove characterized by a long, extending cuff that covers a considerable portion of the forearm. Historically, gauntlets were designed and worn primarily for protecting the hands and arms during combat, particularly in medieval times. Made from a variety of materials such as leather, metal, or chainmail, gauntlets offered enhanced defense while still allowing some flexibility and dexterity for combat manoeuvres. These gloves often featured articulated joints to allow movement of the arm and fingers.

    Figuratively, the term "run the gauntlet" is an idiom derived from the historical practice of forcing a person to run between two rows of people who would strike or hit them as they passed. It is used to describe a challenging or risky situation that requires someone to endure various difficulties or obstacles as they progress. This expression implies a test of strength, resilience, or endurance, as the individual bravely navigates their way through a series of challenges or criticisms.

    Additionally, "gauntlet" can also refer to a double line or queue of people, objects, or obstacles that someone must pass through. This meaning is often encountered in the context of military formations, where soldiers may flank a pathway to create a barrier marked by a series of challenges or rituals. In essence, this definition emphasizes the sense of a challenging passage through an arduous or dangerous pathway, whether literal or metaphorical.

  2. • An iron glove jointed for the movement of the fingers, worn by knights, &c., and which formerly used to be thrown down in token of a challenge.
    • A large glove covered with plates of metal on the back, part of the defensive armour of anc. times.

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

Top Common Misspellings for GAUNTLET *

* 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 GAUNTLET

Etymology of GAUNTLET

The word "gauntlet" has an interesting etymology. It can be traced back to the Old Swedish word "gatlopp", which meant "passageway". It later evolved into the Old French word "gantelet", which referred to a "little glove". This word was eventually borrowed into Middle English as "gaunt(e)let", signifying a protective glove worn as a part of medieval armor. Over time, "gauntlet" came to mean a challenge or test that one had to endure, often in a figurative sense. So, the word has evolved from meaning a glove to a metaphorical concept of facing challenges.

Idioms with the word GAUNTLET

  • run the gauntlet The idiom "run the gauntlet" refers to the act of going through a difficult or dangerous situation in which one faces a series of challenges, obstacles, or criticisms from multiple sources. It implies a challenging journey where one must endure and persevere in the face of adversity.
  • take/pick up the gauntlet The idiom "take/pick up the gauntlet" means to accept a challenge or an invitation to fight or compete. It refers to the act of responding to a challenge or provocation in a bold or defiant manner. The phrase is derived from medieval times when a gauntlet was a metal glove worn by knights as a sign of status and authority. When an opponent threw down their gauntlet, it symbolized a challenge, and those who "took up" or "picked up" the gauntlet were indicating their willingness to engage in a conflict or competition.
  • take up the gauntlet The idiom "take up the gauntlet" refers to accepting a challenge or provocation, often in a formal or public manner. It originates from medieval times when a knight would throw down his metal glove (gauntlet) as a sign of challenging another knight to combat. By picking up or accepting the gauntlet, one is demonstrating willingness to face a difficult task or engage in a confrontation.
  • throw down the gauntlet The idiom "throw down the gauntlet" means to issue a challenge or make a bold declaration, often in a confrontational or defiant manner. It originates from the medieval custom of throwing down a glove or gauntlet as a challenge to combat.
  • pick up the gauntlet To "pick up the gauntlet" means to accept a challenge or an invitation to a competition or fight. The idiom originated from the medieval custom of throwing down a gauntlet (a metal glove) as a challenge to someone, and then the person accepting the challenge would pick it up, symbolizing their willingness to engage in combat. In a broader sense, it can also refer to accepting any kind of challenge or taking on a difficult task.
  • throw down (or take up) the gauntlet The idiom "throw down (or take up) the gauntlet" means to issue or accept a challenge, often in a bold or confrontational manner. It is derived from the medieval practice of throwing down a gauntlet (a metal glove) as a symbol of challenging someone to a duel.
  • run the gauntlet of something/someone The idiom "run the gauntlet of something/someone" refers to the act of facing and enduring a series of challenges, obstacles, or criticisms, often in a confrontational or adversarial manner. It originates from the historical practice of punishment or initiation where a person runs between two lines of people who strike or attack them, known as a gauntlet. In modern usage, it generally signifies going through a difficult or unpleasant experience.

Similar spelling words for GAUNTLET

Plural form of GAUNTLET is GAUNTLETS

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