How Do You Spell RATCHET?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈat͡ʃɪt] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "ratchet" may seem confusing due to the silent "t" at the end. However, using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription helps clarify its pronunciation, which is /ˈrætʃɪt/. The "ch" sound is made by the combination of "t" and "sh" sounds, and the final "t" is silent. This word refers to a mechanical device that allows rotary or reciprocating motion in one direction only, often used in wrenches or sockets, and is also used in slang to describe a person displaying negative behaviors.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Plural
Conjugate verb
Basic Check Advanced Check

RATCHET Meaning and Definition

  1. Ratchet is a multifaceted term that is used to refer to various concepts and objects. As a noun, ratchet most commonly refers to a mechanical device designed to allow motion in one direction while preventing it in the opposite direction, typically by means of a toothed wheel and a pawl. This mechanism is used in various applications, such as wrenches, jacks, and cable hoists, to provide incremental movement and control.

    In a broader sense, the term ratchet has also been adopted in colloquial language to describe a negative trend or progression that continues to worsen or deteriorate over time. It is often used to describe situations where problems or conflicts escalate and become increasingly difficult to resolve.

    Moreover, ratchet has emerged as a slang term within subcultures, particularly in music and dancing. In this context, ratchet denotes a style or behavior characterized by being loud, rowdy, unconventional, or sexually explicit. It is often associated with a particular type of hip-hop subgenre and has become a term for expressing a certain sense of liberation and empowerment.

    Overall, ratchet is a versatile term that encompasses mechanical devices, negative trends, and cultural expressions. Its meaning can vary depending on the context in which it is used, but it commonly denotes either a mechanical component or a descriptor of a specific cultural style or behavior.

  2. In clock and watch making, a small arm or bar, one end of which abuts against a toothed wheel, called a ratchet-wheel, whose use is either to communicate motion or to prevent backward motion-in the former case being called a click or paul, and in the latter a detent; in mech., a bar having angular teeth, into which a paul drops to prevent a machine being reversed when in motion.

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

Common Misspellings for RATCHET

Etymology of RATCHET

The etymology of the word "ratchet" can be traced back to the Old French word "rochet", which referred to a type of medieval ecclesiastical garment. From there, it evolved into the Middle English word "rocquet", which meant a type of wrench or jack. The modern usage of "ratchet" as an adjective, often associated with a person or behavior, likely stems from the mechanical concept of a ratchet mechanism—which allows for incremental progress in one direction but prevents backward movement. The term gained popularity in African-American Vernacular English and eventually became part of mainstream colloquial language.

Plural form of RATCHET is RATCHETS

Conjugate verb Ratchet

CONDITIONAL

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

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

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

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have ratchet
you would have ratchet
he/she/it would have ratchet
we would have ratchet
they would have ratchet

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

you ratchet
we let´s ratchet

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to ratchet

PAST

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

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

ratcheted

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I ratchet
you ratchet
he/she/it ratchets
we ratchet
they ratchet

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

ratcheting

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been ratcheting
you have been ratcheting
he/she/it has been ratcheting
we have been ratcheting
they have been ratcheting
I would have ratcheted
we would have ratcheted
you would have ratcheted
he/she/it would have ratcheted
they would have ratcheted

Infographic

Correct spelling for ratchet
Add the infographic to your website: