How Do You Spell PREEN?

Pronunciation: [pɹˈiːn] (IPA)

The word "preen" is commonly mispronounced due to some confusion surrounding its spelling. The correct way to say this word is /priːn/, with an emphasis on the first syllable. Its spelling can be attributed to its Latin root "pruinum," which means frost or dew. So, the "ee" sound in preen's first syllable reflects that Latin origin. Despite its misleading spelling, preen is a common term used to refer to activities related to grooming oneself, especially birds.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
Conjugate verb
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PREEN Meaning and Definition

  1. The verb "preen" refers to the act of grooming or adorning oneself, typically in a manner that reflects self-satisfaction or vanity. When an animal or bird preens, it meticulously cleans and rearranges its feathers or fur using its beak, claws, or tongue. This behavior is common among birds, especially those of the avian species, which use their beaks to comb through their feathers, aligning and smoothing them. Preening aids in the removal of dirt, parasites, and excess oil from the plumage, ensuring it remains clean, healthy, and well-maintained.

    In a metaphorical sense, "preen" also describes human behavior. When individuals preen, they engage in excessive self-grooming or self-congratulatory behavior, often driven by vanity or over-confidence. This can involve meticulous attention to personal appearance, such as adjusting clothing, applying makeup, combing hair, or checking one's reflection. People who preen may focus on enhancing their physical appearance or maintaining a perceived image of superiority or self-importance.

    Overall, the term "preen" encompasses both the practical grooming adopted by animals and the self-congratulatory behaviors displayed by humans. It captures the notion of meticulous self-care and the exhibition of pride or self-satisfaction.

  2. • A forked instrument used in dressing cloth.
    • To clean as with a preen,-said of birds that dress and oil their feathers with their beak.

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

Common Misspellings for PREEN

Etymology of PREEN

The word "preen" derives from the Middle English term "preinen", which can also be found in Old English as "preon" or "preterian". These ancestral forms were influenced by the Old French word "proignier" meaning "to prune" or "to cleanse", which in turn traces back to the Late Latin word "pruniare" meaning "to prune". The ultimate source of "preen" is the Latin term "prepus", meaning "plume" or "feather". Over time, "preen" has evolved to encompass the meaning of tidying or grooming oneself, particularly in reference to birds grooming their feathers.

Similar spelling words for PREEN

Conjugate verb Preen

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have preened
you would have preened
he/she/it would have preened
we would have preened
they would have preened
I would have preen
you would have preen
he/she/it would have preen
we would have preen
they would have preen

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

you preen
we let´s preen

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to preen

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

preened

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I preen
you preen
he/she/it preens
we preen
they preen

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

preening

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it preen

SIMPLE PAST

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

Infographic

Correct spelling for preen
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