How Do You Spell MARE?

Pronunciation: [mˈe͡ə] (IPA)

The word "mare" is typically pronounced /mɛr/ in IPA phonetic transcription. This word refers to a female horse, commonly used in breeding or for riding purposes. The spelling of "mare" follows the English rule of "silent e," where the final "e" is not pronounced but instead changes the preceding vowel sound to its long counterpart. In this case, the "a" in "mare" is pronounced as a long vowel sound thanks to the silent "e" at the end.

MARE Meaning and Definition

  1. "Mare" is a noun referring to a female horse. Specifically, it denotes an adult horse that is of the female sex and has reached sexual maturity. Mares are known for their reproductive capability and are integral to horse breeding and the continuation of the equine species. They play a significant role in horse husbandry and are often sought after for their ability to produce offspring.

    In terms of physical characteristics, mares differ from their male counterparts, known as stallions or geldings, by exhibiting certain anatomical features such as a smaller frame, slightly lighter weight, and a more delicate appearance. Mares typically possess a gentle temperament and are reputed for their nurturing instincts, particularly when it comes to their young, known as foals.

    Moreover, the term "mare" is sometimes used in a broader sense to describe a female of various other species, particularly those pertaining to the equine family. In this context, it encompasses the female counterparts of animals such as zebras and donkeys. Regardless of the specific species, mares symbolize femininity, grace, and the life-giving aspect of reproduction.

    Overall, "mare" accurately characterizes a female horse or a female of certain equine species, highlighting its significance within the equine world and the vital role it plays in sustaining the population of horses and related animals.

  2. The female of the horse.

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

Top Common Misspellings for MARE *

* 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 MARE

Etymology of MARE

The etymology of the word "mare" originates from Old English "mere", which was derived from Proto-Germanic "marhaz". It is closely related to words in other Germanic languages such as Old Saxon "meri", Old Norse "marr", and Old High German "marah". The word "mare" originally referred to a female horse or a horse-like creature. Over time, its meaning evolved to specifically describe a female horse over the age of four years, or a female horse used for breeding purposes. The term "mare" is still widely used in English to refer to a female horse.

Idioms with the word MARE

  • shank's mare The idiom "shank's mare" refers to the act of walking or traveling on foot, often implying that one is choosing to go on foot rather than using other means of transportation. It is derived from the term "shank," which refers to the lower part of the leg between the knee and ankle, and "mare," a colloquial term for a horse. Therefore, "shank's mare" means relying on one's own legs to travel from one place to another.
  • the old gray mare The idiom "the old gray mare" refers to someone or something that is aging or past its prime. It originated from a folk song called "The Old Gray Mare" which described an aging horse. The idiom is often used to describe a person or thing that is no longer as vibrant or effective as it used to be.
  • by shank's mare "By shank's mare" is an idiom that means to travel on foot or by walking. It implies that there is no other mode of transportation available except for walking. It is derived from the word "shank," which refers to the lower part of the leg between the knee and ankle, and "mare," which is another term for a horse. So, the phrase suggests relying solely on one's own legs for transportation.
  • a mare's nest A mare's nest is a situation or idea that appears to be promising or exciting, but is ultimately found to be worthless, nonsensical, or foolish.

Similar spelling words for MARE

Plural form of MARE is MARES

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