How Do You Spell KITH?

Pronunciation: [kˈɪθ] (IPA)

The word kith, meaning acquaintances or friends, is spelled with a "th" ending even though it is pronounced with a sound similar to "f". This can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) which transcribes the word as /kɪθ/. The "th" sound in English is called a dental fricative, which is produced by placing the tongue between the lower front teeth and blowing air out. While it may seem counterintuitive, this explanation helps to understand the spelling of the word kith.

KITH Meaning and Definition

  1. Kith, often used in the phrase "kith and kin," is a noun that refers to one's acquaintances, friends, or familiar associates. It encompasses the people with whom one shares a bond, connection, or a sense of familiarity, particularly at a local or communal level. The term can also encompass a broader group or community of people with shared interests, beliefs, or values.

    The term "kith" hails from Middle English, derived from the Old English word "cȳth," which means "native land" or "one's country" and is related to the word "kind." In its modern usage, "kith" pertains more to the social or interpersonal connections rather than a geographical reference.

    One's kith can include a variety of individuals, such as close friends, neighbors, colleagues, or even regular patrons of a local establishment. It emphasizes a sense of familiarity, mutual understanding, and a shared history among individuals. The phrase "kith and kin" often emphasizes the close relationships between both friends and family.

    In summary, "kith" refers to the circle of acquaintances, friends, and familiar associates with whom one shares a connection or bond. It denotes a sense of familiarity and a shared history, emphasizing the social connections and interpersonal relationships that contribute to a sense of belonging within a community or group.

  2. Acquaintance.

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

Top Common Misspellings for KITH *

* 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 KITH

Etymology of KITH

The word "kith" has its roots in Old English. It can be traced back to the Old English word "cȳþþ", which means "native country" or "one's acquaintance". This word is related to the Old English verb "cunnan", which means "to know". Over time, "cȳþþ" evolved into "kith", retaining the general meaning of "one's acquaintances" or "one's native land". The word has endured through Middle English and into modern usage, often associated with the phrase "kith and kin", which refers to one's friends and family.

Idioms with the word KITH

  • kith and kin The idiom "kith and kin" refers to one's friends and relatives or, more broadly, one's close and extended family. It denotes the people who are closely connected to an individual by blood or by close friendship.

Similar spelling words for KITH

Plural form of KITH is KITHS

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