How Do You Spell PURITAN?

Pronunciation: [pjˈʊɹɪtən] (IPA)

The word "puritan" is spelled with an "i" instead of an "e" due to its origin from the Latin word "puritas" meaning purity. The correct IPA phonetic transcription for "puritan" is /ˈpjʊərɪtən/. The sound represented by the "i" is the short "u" sound, while the "a" is pronounced as a schwa. The stress is on the second syllable of the word. This spelling has been in use for centuries and is commonly used in both British and American English.

PURITAN Meaning and Definition

  1. Puritan refers to a member of a religious and political movement that emerged in the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly within the Protestant Church of England, whose adherents sought to purify the church from the rituals and practices they considered impure, remnants of Catholicism. The term "puritan" was initially used as a derogatory label to criticize these individuals for their strict adherence to religious principles and moral codes.

    The Puritans emphasized simplicity, austerity, and the authority of scripture in spiritual matters. They aimed to align their daily lives with their religious beliefs by practicing a disciplined and pious way of life. Puritans also sought to implement these principles into the broader society, with strict moral codes influencing laws and social practices.

    In colonial America, Puritan beliefs shaped the social and political fabric of the early settlements, particularly in New England. Their influence extended to areas such as education, where they valued literacy and established schools to spread their religious teachings.

    However, the strictness and intolerance associated with Puritanism later drew criticism as well. Their resistance to various forms of recreation and culture, such as theater and dance, led to a reputation for being overly rigid and stern.

    Today, the term "puritan" is often used metaphorically to describe someone with a strict adherence to moral or religious principles, or to criticize those who are perceived as intolerant.

  2. • One who affects rigid purity in religious matters; a name given in contempt to a dissenter in the reign of Elizabeth and in those of her two successors.
    • Pert. to the Puritans or early dissenters.

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

Top Common Misspellings for PURITAN *

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Other Common Misspellings for PURITAN

Etymology of PURITAN

The word "puritan" originated in the late 16th century and is derived from the Latin word "puritas", meaning "purity" or "cleanliness". It was originally used to describe a reformist movement within the Church of England, which aimed to purify it from remnants of Catholic practices and rituals. Over time, the term "puritan" was widely adopted to refer to individuals who adhered to strict moral and religious principles, emphasizing simplicity, austerity, and purity in their lifestyles.

Similar spelling words for PURITAN

Plural form of PURITAN is PURITANS

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