How Do You Spell UNRULY?

Pronunciation: [ʌnɹˈuːli] (IPA)

The word "unruly" is spelled with the letters U-N-R-U-L-Y. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ʌnˈruːli/. The "u" sound is pronounced as the short "uh" sound, while the "r" sound is rolled or trilled. The "oo" in "ruly" is pronounced as the long "u" sound, while the "ly" at the end is pronounced with a short "i" sound. "Unruly" means disobedient or difficult to control, and is commonly used to describe children or animals who misbehave.

UNRULY Meaning and Definition

  1. Unruly, an adjective, refers to something or someone that is difficult to control, manage, or discipline. It describes a state of disorder, disruption, or disobedience. The term is commonly used to describe unruly behavior, both inanimate objects and people, that goes against the norms, rules, or expectations set in a particular context.

    When applied to disobedient or misbehaving individuals, unruly typically implies a lack of conformity to social standards or regulations. It suggests a tendency towards disruptive or turbulent behavior, characterized by defiance, noncompliance, or defiance of authority. Someone described as unruly may display disruptive conduct, disregard for rules or instructions, or a refusal to listen or comply with the requests or directives of others.

    In certain contexts, it can also be used to describe animals or objects that prove difficult to control or manage. For instance, an unruly horse may be wild, stubborn, or resistant to training, while an unruly crowd suggests a gathering of people that is disorderly, rowdy, or uncontrollable.

    Overall, unruly embodies a state of chaos or disorderliness that can pertain to various aspects of life, encompassing both animate and inanimate entities. Its primary connotation revolves around a lack of control, discipline, or compliance, suggesting an environment or individual that is challenging to handle or manage according to established norms.

  2. Disregarding restraint; disposed to violate laws; ungovernable; refractory.

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

Top Common Misspellings for UNRULY *

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Other Common Misspellings for UNRULY

Etymology of UNRULY

The word "unruly" originated from Middle English, specifically from the combination of the Old English prefix "un-" meaning "not" or "lack of", and the word "ruly" derived from "rēolīc". "Rēolīc" is an Old English word that means "well-behaved", "orderly", or "disciplined". Therefore, "unruly" emerged as a negation of "ruly", essentially signifying the opposite: "not well-behaved" or "not disciplined".

Similar spelling words for UNRULY