How Do You Spell SICKLY?

Pronunciation: [sˈɪkli] (IPA)

Sickly is an adjective that means to be in poor health or to look feeble. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈsɪkli/. The first syllable "sick" is pronounced as /sɪk/, which rhymes with the word "tick". The second syllable "ly" is pronounced as /li/, which rhymes with the word "me". The spelling of the word "sickly" accurately represents its pronunciation in English. This word can be used to describe a person who is continuously unwell or to describe a plant that is struggling to survive.

SICKLY Meaning and Definition

  1. Sickly is an adjective that typically describes a person, plant, or animal who is in a state of poor health or at risk of falling ill. This term can be used to describe individuals who are frequently sick or weak, showing signs of ill health or vulnerability. It can also be applied to something that appears weak, feeble, or pale in its physical or overall condition.

    When referring to a person, a sickly individual may have a fragile immune system, often experiencing illnesses or ailments more frequently than average. They may exhibit symptoms of fatigue, weakness, or a general lack of well-being. In terms of plants, sickly usually refers to foliage or blooms that are withering, discolored, or stunted, which could indicate a lack of proper nutrition or exposure to disease.

    Furthermore, sickly can also be used to describe a particular atmosphere or environment that evokes a sense of discomfort, unease, or illness. For instance, a sickly odor may suggest an unpleasant smell, often associated with decay, rot, or contamination. Sickly can also describe a color or appearance that possesses a dull or unhealthy quality.

    Overall, sickly is a versatile term that can be used to express various aspects of ill health, including physical, mental, or environmental conditions that are unfavorable, weak, or indicative of disease.

  2. Not healthy; ailing; feeble.

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

Common Misspellings for SICKLY

Etymology of SICKLY

The word "sickly" originally comes from the Old English word "sicol", which meant "suffering from illness" or "weak". This Old English word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*sekhwaz", meaning "sick" or "afflicted". Ultimately, it can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*segh-" which means "to be ill" or "to be weak". Over time, the meaning of "sickly" has expanded to also refer to something that is characterized by a weak or delicate nature.

Similar spelling words for SICKLY

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: