How Do You Spell HELVE?

Pronunciation: [hˈɛlv] (IPA)

The word "helve" is spelled with four letters and pronounced as [hɛlv]. It refers to the handle of an axe, hammer, or other cutting tool. The spelling "helve" comes from the Middle English word "helve," which was derived from the Old English word "hielfe." Despite its relatively simple spelling, the pronunciation of "helve" is tricky, as it contains a short "e" sound followed by a silent "e." Proper pronunciation is important to avoid confusion with the similar word "help."

HELVE Meaning and Definition

  1. Helve is a noun that refers to a long handle of a tool, typically made of wood, that provides leverage and control when used with a striking implement. It is primarily used in the context of hand tools like axes, hammers, and sledges, and it serves as the connecting link between the striking head and the user's hand.

    The helve is usually cylindrical, with a length ranging from 60 to 90 centimeters (24 to 36 inches) on average. It is designed to be comfortable to grip, with a smooth surface and ergonomic contouring that fits the hand's natural shape. The helve is often tapered towards one or both ends, providing a secure attachment point for the tool head. This taper can be achieved by shaping the wood through carving or splitting.

    The primary function of a helve is to absorb and distribute the force applied through the tool, enabling the user to strike with more accuracy and power. It acts as a lever, amplifying the force exerted by the user's arm and directing it towards the target. Additionally, the helve helps to reduce the impact felt by the user's hand, as wood has a natural shock-absorbing quality.

    Overall, the helve is an essential component of various striking hand tools, providing the necessary leverage and control to effectively wield these implements, enhancing their functionality and usability.

  2. • The handle of an axe or hatchet.
    • To furnish with a helve.

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

Common Misspellings for HELVE

Etymology of HELVE

The word "helve" originated from the Old English "hælf" which meant "handle" or "hilt". It is related to the Old High German "halb", the Old Norse "hjālpr", and the Gothic "halbs", all of which also meant "handle". In Proto-Germanic, the word was "halbaz". The word eventually evolved into "helve" in Middle English and has retained its meaning as "a long handle of a tool or weapon" ever since.

Idioms with the word HELVE

  • send the helve after the hatchet The idiom "send the helve after the hatchet" is an old proverbial phrase that means to continue pursuing a course of action even after it is clear that it will not succeed or to persist in a futile or pointless effort. It implies a stubborn or unyielding stubbornness and a refusal to give up or change tactics, even when it is obvious that further attempts will be fruitless. It originates from an old folk tale where a man loses his hatchet in a lake, but instead of accepting the loss, he throws the handle (helve) into the water as well, hoping to retrieve the hatchet by making it float. This idiom is often used to express the futility of stubbornly persisting in a failed

Similar spelling words for HELVE

Plural form of HELVE is HELVES

Conjugate verb Helve

CONDITIONAL

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

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

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

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have helve
you would have helve
he/she/it would have helve
we would have helve
they would have helve

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

you helve
we let´s helve

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to helve

PAST

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

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

helved

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I helve
you helve
he/she/it helves
we helve
they helve

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

helving

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

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