How Do You Spell Enemy?

  • Eseandre Mordi

  • 22 Feb 2024

Understanding the correct spelling of frequently used words is fundamental to clear communication. This article explores the correct spelling of the word "enemy," along with its definition, common misspellings, and etymology to enhance your grammatical knowledge.

Correct Spelling of Enemy

The correct spelling of the word is enemy. It is important to remember that this word comprises two syllables en-e-my and is often mispronounced or misspelled due to its phonetic components. Recognizing the correct arrangement of letters in enemy will aid in proper written communication.

How can remember the correct spelling

One technique for memorizing the spelling of enemy is to break it down phonetically into "en-e-my." Associating the word with a simple phrase such as "An enemy of my enemy" can also reinforce the correct spelling in your memory. Practicing the spelling in sentences or flashcards can further solidify your understanding.

Common Spelling Mistakes

  • Enamy - Incorrect due to the substitution of 'y' with 'a'.
  • Enemee - Incorrect spelling often comes from the misinterpretation of the word's phonetic sound.
  • Eenemy - Adding an extra 'e' at the beginning is a common typo error.

These common mistakes stem from either phonetic misinterpretation or typographical errors, underscoring the importance of learning the correct spelling.

Definition and etymology of Enemy

The word enemy refers to a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something. It originates from the Old French word "enemi" (modern French "ennemi"), which itself comes from the Latin "inimicus," meaning 'hostile' or 'unfriendly.' "Inimicus" is derived from "in-" (not) and "amicus" (friend). Understanding the path from Latin to English helps clarify the word's meaning as the opposite of a friend.

Transcription of Enemy

The phonetic transcription of enemy in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is /ˈɛn.ə.mi/. It is pronounced with stress on the first syllable, where "en" sounds like the word "pen," "e" resembles the sound in "the," and "my" is pronounced as in "myth."

Examples of Using of Enemy

  • In chess, your opponent is not your enemy, but a partner in creating a challenging game.
  • During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union were considered enemies.
  • Literature often explores the theme of love turning into enemy and vice versa.

FAQ

What does the word mean? 
An enemy is someone who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.

Words Closely Related: opponent, adversary, foe.

Synonyms: antagonist, rival, nemesis.

Difference in American and British Versions

The spelling of the word enemy remains consistent between American and British English, with no variations to note. The pronunciation might slightly vary with accents, but this doesn't affect the spelling or the fundamental meaning of the word in either dialect.

In which academic dictionaries can you find this word

  1. Oxford English Dictionary.
  2. Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
  3. Cambridge Dictionary.


#spelling #grammarrules #vocabulary 

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