How Do You Spell REAM?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈiːm] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "ream" may seem a bit odd upon first glance. However, it follows the English language's unique and complex rules for pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, "ream" is written as /riːm/. The "ea" diphthong is pronounced as a long "e" sound, while the "m" at the end is pronounced with a slight nasal sound. This allows for clear and concise communication in both written and spoken forms, demonstrating the importance of proper spelling in language.

REAM Meaning and Definition

  1. A "ream" is a unit of measurement used predominantly for paper or cardboard, referring to a large quantity or bundle of sheets. It typically consists of 500 sheets, although different countries may have slight variations in the exact number. Originating from the Old French word "ronde" meaning "bundle," the term was adopted in the English language around the 14th century.

    In the context of paper products, a ream serves as a convenient way to measure and distribute sheets efficiently. This standardized quantity ensures consistency in the paper industry, as it allows for ease in estimating costs, calculating quantities, or specifying requirements. For instance, when purchasing paper for office or printing purposes, reams are often sold in packages or boxes containing this fixed number of sheets.

    Moreover, the term "ream" can also have a broader figurative definition. It can be used to describe a considerable amount or large quantity of anything, beyond its specific association with paper. In this sense, it implies a substantial volume, often suggesting an excess or surplus. This figurative usage is commonly found in phrases like "a ream of information" or "a ream of data," indicating a significant amount of knowledge, facts, or numbers.

    In summary, "ream" primarily refers to a bundle of approximately 500 sheets of paper or cardboard. Beyond this literal definition, it can be employed metaphorically to denote a large quantity or an abundance of something.

  2. • A quantity of paper consisting of twenty quires; among printers, twenty-one and a half quires.
    • In block-making, to level out or increase the size of a hole with an instrument.

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

Top Common Misspellings for REAM *

* 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 REAM

Etymology of REAM

The word "ream" has a complex etymology.

Originally, the word "ream" comes from the Old English word "hreme", which meant "cream" or "frost". Over time, the word evolved and its meaning expanded. In Middle English, the word turned into "rem", which referred to a quantity or bundle of items.

In the context of measuring paper, "ream" came to be used as a term for a specific amount, roughly encompassing 500 sheets. This usage originated in the 14th century when paper was often produced in increments of 480 or 516 sheets, and "ream" was used to represent a standard quantity close to these figures. The term "ream" itself is thought to be derived from the Germanic root *hramjō, meaning "something that is gathered together or heaped".

Idioms with the word REAM

  • ream sth out The idiom "ream sth out" means to clean or clear something thoroughly and vigorously. It is often used to describe the action of eliminating dirt, debris, or blockages from a space or object by forcefully removing or flushing out unwanted materials.
  • ream someone's ass The phrase "ream someone's ass" is an informal and possibly offensive idiom that means to criticize, scold, or reprimand someone severely or harshly for their actions or behavior. It implies that the reprimand is forceful and might involve pointing out someone's mistakes or wrongdoing in a direct and blunt manner.
  • ream sm out

Similar spelling words for REAM

Plural form of REAM is REAMS

Conjugate verb Ream

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

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

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

we Let´s ream

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

reamed

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I ream
you ream
he/she/it reams
we ream
they ream

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

reaming

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it ream

SIMPLE PAST

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

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