How Do You Spell TOOTHSOME?

Pronunciation: [tˈuːθsʌm] (IPA)

The word "toothsome" is spelled with two "o's," despite the fact that it is pronounced with a long "u" sound, commonly represented in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /u/. This can be confusing for English language learners and even native speakers unfamiliar with the word. The spelling reflects the word's historical roots, which trace back to the Middle English "toothsum," from "tooth" and "sum," meaning "pleasing" or "delightful" to the senses. Today, "toothsome" often refers to delicious or appetizing food.

TOOTHSOME Meaning and Definition

1. Toothsome is an adjective that describes something as delicious, tasty, or pleasing to the senses, particularly in terms of food or drink. It implies an enticing or tempting quality that arouses a favorable response, often making one's mouth water in anticipation.

   Derived from the Middle English word "totsom," meaning "agreeable" or "pleasant to taste," toothsome refers to the high quality and palatability of the item in question. It suggests that the taste and texture of the food or beverage are highly appealing, granting satisfaction and pleasure to the consumer.

   Toothsome is often used to convey the idea of delectability, suggesting that the item possesses a desirable blend of flavors, seasonings, or ingredients that tickle the taste buds and stimulate the senses. It typically implies a certain level of richness, tenderness, or succulence, contributing to the overall pleasurable experience.

   Furthermore, toothsome can extend beyond just describing food and drink, occasionally being employed to commend other things that are appealing or attractive. For example, it can be used to describe a person who is glamorous, charming, or physically attractive. However, this usage is less common compared to its predominant application in relation to gastronomy.

   Overall, toothsome captures the essence of something that is not only edible but also profoundly delightful, making it a desirable and highly sought-after experience for those who appreciate the pleasures of the palate.

2. • Pleasant to the taste.

   • Grateful to the taste.

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

Common Misspellings for TOOTHSOME

• toothcomb
• roothsome
• foothsome
• goothsome
• yoothsome
• 6oothsome
• 5oothsome
• tiothsome
• tothsome
• toothsom
• Thootsome

Etymology of TOOTHSOME

The word "toothsome" originated in the late 16th century and is formed by combining two Old English words: "tooth" and "some".

The term "tooth" has its roots in Proto-Germanic, where it appeared as "tanth" or "tanþs". It ultimately traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*dent-", meaning tooth. This root also gave rise to similar words in other Indo-European languages.

The suffix "-some" in Old English was used to indicate the quality or condition of something, or to describe something as possessing a certain characteristic. It can be related to the Middle Low German "-som" or Old High German "-sam". Over time, this suffix evolved into Modern English "-some".

So, when combined, "toothsome" implies something that is pleasing or agreeable to the tooth or something delicious, which is often associated with food.