How Do You Spell THEREABOUTS?

Pronunciation: [ðe͡əɹɐbˈa͡ʊts] (IPA)

"Thereabouts" is a compound word, consisting of two distinct units: "there" and "abouts." The "-abouts" portion is relatively straightforward, with the pronunciation matching the spelling. The "-there-" portion includes a schwa sound, represented in IPA by the symbol ə. The word begins with the "th" sound, which is typically pronounced with the tongue between the teeth. The "ere" portion has a long e sound, while the final syllable has a short a sound, as in "cat." Altogether, the word is pronounced /ˈðeərəˌbaʊts/.

THEREABOUTS Meaning and Definition

  1. Thereabouts is an adverb used to indicate an approximate or general location, quantity, or time. It suggests an estimate or approximation without being specific. Derived from the combination of the words "there" and "about," thereabouts conveys the idea of being in the vicinity or close proximity to a particular point or value without being exact.

    When referring to location, the term signifies that something is in or around a certain area or place without giving precise coordinates or boundaries. For example, a statement like "The park is located five kilometers from the city center, thereabouts" indicates that the park is approximately five kilometers away, but not exactly.

    In terms of quantity, thereabouts implies an approximation without providing an accurate figure. For instance, saying "He earns a salary of $50,000 a year thereabouts" suggests that his income is roughly around $50,000.

    Regarding time, thereabouts portrays a rough estimate or a general period without specifying an exact moment. For instance, if someone states, "The meeting will begin at 9:00 AM, thereabouts," it means the meeting is likely to start around 9:00 AM but could vary slightly.

    Overall, thereabouts signifies an imprecise or rough estimation, indicating proximity in terms of location, quantity, or time without specifying an exact value or moment.

  2. Near that place; near that number or degree; concerning that matter.

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

Common Misspellings for THEREABOUTS

Etymology of THEREABOUTS

The word "thereabouts" originated from Middle English. It is a combination of the word "there", which means "in or at that place", and "about", which means "near or approximately". The suffix "-s" is added to "thereabout" to indicate a plural or uncertain amount. Together, "thereabouts" indicates an approximate or imprecise location or amount.

Similar spelling words for THEREABOUTS

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