How Do You Spell VANDAL?

Pronunciation: [vˈandə͡l] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "vandal" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced as /ˈvændəl/ with a stressed emphasis on the first syllable. The letter "v" represents the voiced labiodental fricative sound /v/. The following "a" sound is pronounced as the short vowel sound /æ/. The letter "n" is pronounced as the voiced alveolar nasal sound /n/. Lastly, the letter "d" represents the voiced dental fricative sound /ð/. Overall, the spelling and pronunciation of "vandal" align well with the standard English phonetic system.

VANDAL Meaning and Definition

  1. Vandal, noun:

    1. A person who willfully and maliciously causes damage, destruction, or defacement to public or private property, particularly of cultural or historical significance. Vandalism involves acts such as graffiti, arson, demolition, or the intentional destruction of valuable structures, monuments, artworks, or any other tangible assets owned by individuals or society at large.

    2. In historical context, a member of a Germanic tribe known as the Vandals, who originated in the region of modern-day Germany and expanded through Europe during the 5th century AD. The Vandals were known for their aggressive and destructive behavior as they waged military campaigns, particularly in Gaul, Iberia, and North Africa, where they established a kingdom.

    3. Figuratively, the term "vandal" can be used to describe an individual who habitually engages in acts of senseless destruction or violence, not limited to physical property. The term may also be applied to someone who engages in intellectual vandalism, deliberately undermining or damaging knowledge, cultural values, or intellectual pursuits, often driven by a lack of respect or understanding.

    4. Informally, the term "vandal" can be used colloquially to refer to someone who engages in reckless, rowdy, or hooligan-like behavior, causing trouble or disturbances in public spaces, events, or gatherings.

    In summary, a vandal is an individual who causes deliberate destruction, damage, or defacement to property, heritage, cultural artifacts, or intellectual pursuits, typically driven by a lack of respect, understanding, or in some cases, aggressive historical context.

  2. • One of a barbarous race, inhabiting the southern shores of the Baltic, which invaded the Roman empire in the fifth century, noted for their fierceness and their indiscriminate destruction of the monuments of art and the productions of literature; one who destroys any monument of art or literature; one hostile to the arts or literature; a barbarian.
    • Pert. to or resembling the Vandals; rude; barbarous.

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

Top Common Misspellings for VANDAL *

* 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 VANDAL

Etymology of VANDAL

The word "vandal" is derived from the name of an ancient Germanic tribe called the Vandals. The Vandals were an East Germanic people who migrated from their homeland in Scandinavia to settle in what is now modern-day Poland during the 2nd century AD. Later, they moved southwards and established a powerful kingdom in North Africa, ruling over regions such as present-day Tunisia and Algeria.

The Vandals gained a reputation for their military prowess and aggressive behavior during their conquests. In 455 AD, they famously sacked the city of Rome, leaving destruction in their wake. Due to their destructive nature and the notoriety of their actions, the term "vandal" gradually came to be associated with anyone who engages in wanton destruction or acts of vandalism. The term has since been used to describe individuals, groups, or their actions that cause intentional damage, particularly to public or private property.

Similar spelling words for VANDAL

Plural form of VANDAL is VANDALS

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