How Do You Spell LORELEI?

Pronunciation: [lˈɔːle͡ɪ] (IPA)

The word "Lorelei" is a Germanic name that is commonly used to describe a beautiful mermaid who sings along the Rhine River. The spelling of this name can be a bit tricky to decipher. The first syllable is pronounced as "lohr" with the "o" sound being pronounced as a long vowel. The second syllable is pronounced as "ly," with the "e" being almost silent. The final syllable is pronounced as "lye," with the "e" being accentuated. This word is often used to describe a seductive beauty who lures men to their deaths.

LORELEI Meaning and Definition

  1. Lorelei is a noun that refers to both a geographical location and a mythical figure. In terms of geography, Lorelei specifically denotes a river rock formation on the eastern bank of the Rhine River in Germany. This steep, narrow slate cliff rises approximately 433 feet above the water and is known to be treacherous for navigation due to strong currents and rocks submerged beneath the surface. The name Lorelei, derived from the German words "lureln" meaning murmuring and "ley" meaning rock, can also be associated with a famous rock called the Lorelei Rock.

    In mythology, the term Lorelei refers to a beautiful and enchanting female figure who is said to inhabit the rock formation. According to the legend, she lures passing sailors to their demise with her mesmerizing song. The mythical Lorelei has been romanticized in various literary works, poems, and songs, often portrayed as a seductress possessing beguiling allure. This concept of the Lorelei figure has become synonymous with dangerous temptresses or femmes fatales in popular culture.

    Overall, Lorelei serves as a versatile term that encompasses both a physical landmark and a mythical character with distinct connotations of beauty, danger, and allure.

Top Common Misspellings for LORELEI *

* 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 LORELEI

Etymology of LORELEI

The word "Lorelei" originates from the German language. It is a combination of two German words: "lore" and "lei".

The word "lore" is derived from Old High German "laura" and Middle High German "lure", which both mean "to lurk" or "to deceive". In German folklore, the term "lore" is often associated with malicious spirits or mystical creatures that deceive or lead people astray.

The word "lei" is derived from the German word "stein" which translates to "rock" or "stone". In the lore of the Rhine River, the term "lei" refers to a rock situated on the riverbank.

Thus, when combined, "lorelei" roughly translates to "lurking rock" or "deceptive stone".

Similar spelling words for LORELEI

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