How Do You Spell MEMPHIS?

Pronunciation: [mˈɛmfɪs] (IPA)

Memphis is a city in the state of Tennessee, USA, which has an interesting spelling. Using IPA phonetic transcription, we can see how its pronunciation corresponds to its spelling. The first sound is the voiced bilabial fricative /m/, followed by the unreleased stop /p/ and the aspirated voiceless alveolar stop /t/. Then, we have the stressed vowel /ɛ/ and the voiceless bilabial fricative /f/, and lastly, the voiceless alveolar fricative /s/. So, although the spelling may seem peculiar, understanding the IPA can help us break it down phonetically.

MEMPHIS Meaning and Definition

1. Memphis is a noun with multiple definitions depending on the context. In ancient history, it refers to a prominent city in Egypt. Memphis was considered the capital during the Old Kingdom and it played a significant role in Egyptian civilization, serving as an administrative, religious, and trade center. The city was located near the Nile River, south of modern-day Cairo. Memphis housed grand temples and impressive structures, including the Great Sphinx and the Pyramid of Djoser, which remain important historical landmarks.

   In a modern context, Memphis often refers to the city in the state of Tennessee, United States. It is the largest city in the state and a cultural hub for music, particularly renowned for its contributions to the development of blues, gospel, and rock 'n' roll. Memphis is home to iconic attractions like Beale Street, Graceland (the former home of Elvis Presley), and the Sun Studio, known as the "Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll."

   Additionally, Memphis is known for its rich culinary scene, specifically its barbecue, which is highly regarded across the country. The city also played a crucial role in the civil rights movement, as it was the site of significant protests and demonstrations.

   Overall, whether referring to the ancient Egyptian city or the modern American city, Memphis holds historical, cultural, and musical significance and continues to be celebrated for its contributions to art, music, and history.

Top Common Misspellings for MEMPHIS *

• mephis 33.3333333%
• menphis 33.3333333%
• memphiis 16.6666666%
• memhips 16.6666666%

* 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 MEMPHIS

• emphise
• emphais
• emphis
• mimphis
• memphise
• memphes
• memohis
• memphia
• memphiz
• memxhis
• memqhis
• empris
• memisis
• Nemphit
• Memfis
• Mamphise
• Merrhis

Etymology of MEMPHIS

The word "Memphis" has an interesting etymology rooted in ancient history. It is derived from the Egyptian name "Men-nefer", which means "enduring and beautiful" or "established and beautiful". Men-nefer was an ancient Egyptian city located on the western bank of the Nile River, in present-day Giza, Egypt.

As Egypt came under various foreign influences, the pronunciation and spelling of Men-nefer changed over time. The Greeks referred to the city as "Memphis", while the Romans transliterated it as "Memphitis". This transformation of the name coincided with the Hellenistic period when Alexander the Great introduced Greek culture and language to Egypt.

Over centuries, the name "Memphis" became associated with the historical city, and it eventually became known as a prominent ancient Egyptian capital renowned for its grandeur and significance.