How to Spell Jealous
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Eseandre Mordi
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14 Feb 2024
Understanding the correct spelling of popular words is crucial for effective communication. This article is designed to help you learn how to spell jealous correctly, along with its usage, common mistakes, and more.
Correct Spelling of Jealous
The correct spelling of the word is jealous. It is commonly misspelled due to its pronunciation, which might suggest different spellings to some. However, remembering its correct formation is essential for accurate communication in writing. The word consists of two syllables, and it is important to stress the first syllable 'jeal', which can be a mnemonic aid in remembering its spelling.
How to Remember the Correct Spelling
To remember the correct spelling of jealous, associate it with the word "gel" which is pronounced similarly to the middle part of jealous, even though it may not relate in meaning. Another technique is to break it down phonetically as Jeal-ous, emphasizing the 'eal' which differs from the 'al' sound that might be a common mistake.
Common Spelling Mistakes
- Gelous - Incorrect because it uses a 'g' instead of the correct 'j' sound.
- Jealos - This version misses the final 'u', which is vital for the correct pronunciation and spelling.
- Jealus - Another common mistake is to skip the 'o', leading to an incorrect spelling.
These spelling mistakes occur mainly due to misinterpretation of the pronunciation and lack of familiarity with the word's correct structure.
Definition and Etymology of Jealous
The word jealous is an adjective that describes feelings of envy towards someone else's achievements or possessions, or fear of losing affection. It originates from the Old French word "jelos", which itself has roots in the Latin word "zelosus", meaning full of zeal. Over time, its spelling and usage have evolved into the present-day "jealous", which retains the connotations of possessiveness and suspicion.
Transcription of Jealous
The phonetic transcription of jealous is [ˈdʒɛləs]. This notation helps to understand the pronunciation clearly, breaking down the word into sounds that can be easily articulated. The stress lies on the first syllable, which is vital for correct pronunciation.
Examples of Using Jealous
- She felt jealous when she saw her best friend with someone new.
- His jealous nature often caused problems in their relationship.
- They were jealous of her success and couldn't hide their feelings.
FAQ
- What does the word mean? - It describes a feeling of envy towards someone's achievements or possessions.
- Words Closely Related? - Envy, possessive, suspicious.
- Synonyms? - Envious, covetous, resentful.
Difference in American and British Versions
The spelling of jealous remains the same in both American and British English versions. However, the pronunciation may slightly vary, with American English having a more distinct 'r' sound in the articulation. Nonetheless, these differences are minimal and do not affect the spelling of the word.
Academic Dictionaries
- Oxford English Dictionary.
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
- Cambridge Dictionary.
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