How Do You Spell Family?

  • Eseandre Mordi

  • 07 Feb 2024

In the vast world of English vocabulary where homophones, synonyms, and spelling variations abound, mastering the spelling of everyday words like family is crucial. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on the correct spelling of family, its definition, transcription, usage examples, common mistakes, and memory aids to ensure that this word is never misspelled in your writing again.

Correct Spelling of Family

The correct spelling of the keyword is family. This spelling is uniform and does not change with number, tense, or usage. Ensuring that you spell family correctly in your writing is essential for clear communication.

Definition of Family

The term family refers to a group consisting of parents and their children, living together as a unit. It can also encompass all the descendants of a common ancestor or broadly, individuals linked by affection or other bonds. The concept of a family can vary greatly across cultures and contexts.

Transcription of Family

The transcription for family in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is /ˈfæmɪli/. This provides a guide on how to pronounce the word accurately in English.

Examples of Using of Family

  • We have a large family gathering every Christmas.
  • I consider my close friends as part of my family.
  • She has dedicated her work to supporting low-income family units.

Common Spelling Mistakes

  • Famaly - incorrect because there is no 'a' after the 'm' in the correct spelling
  • Familly - the doubling of 'l' is unnecessary in English spelling
  • Phamily - the 'ph' sound is misleading; 'f' is the correct initial consonant

These common mistakes often stem from mishearing the word, incorrect phonetic guesses, or overgeneralizing spelling rules from other words.

How Can Remember the Correct Spelling

Remembering the spelling of family can be made easier by breaking down the word into sounds: FAM + ILY. Associating family with the phrase 'FAMily Is LoveY' can also help anchor the correct spelling in your memory through the emotional connection to love and family.

FAQ

What does the word mean? 
Family refers to a group of individuals connected by blood, marriage, or affection, often living together or considered as a unit.

How to spell in Spanish? 
In Spanish, family is spelled familia.

Words Closely Related: relatives, kin, household.

Synonyms: clan, tribe, kinfolk.

Difference Between the Words in American and British Versions

There is no difference in the spelling of family between American and British English. It is spelled the same way in both varieties of English.

In Which Academic Dictionaries You Can Find This Word

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


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