A: Yes, “awkward” is an awkward-looking word, one that suits the awkwardness of its various meanings. That “wkw” in the middle is what sets “awkward” and its derivatives apart. We can think of only one other “wkw” word in English: “hawkweed,” the common name for a favorite wildflower of ours.
Full Answer
What does "awk" mean in English?
What does "awkward" mean in the poem?
What does "gawky" mean?
Where did the word "gawk" come from?
Is "awkward" an adjective?
Who used the adjective "awkerd" to describe an ungainly person?
Is "gawky" a Scandinavian word?
See 2 more
Is it spelled occurred or occured?
Spelling words isn't always easy, especially when they contain double letters. In this case, the correct spelling is occurred. How can you remember it when you need it? The best way to remember how to spell occurred is to remember its double set of double consonants.
Is it spelled akward or awkward?
Definition of awkward 1a : lacking dexterity or skill (as in the use of hands) I'm awkward with a needle and thread.
What are the spellings of awkward?
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. lacking skill or dexterity. lacking grace or ease in movement: an awkward gesture;an awkward dancer.
Is it most awkward or Awkwardest?
Concerning adjectives that are two syllables or more, like 'awk-ward,' in order to create the superlative, the word 'most' should be added before the adjective. Thus, instead of 'awkwardest,' people should use the phrase 'most awkward.
When was awkward first used?
John Ayto, in his Dictionary of Word Origins, says “awkward” was coined in the 1300s in Scotland and northern England, where it meant “turned in the wrong direction.” Ayto writes that it's a combination of the Middle English adjective “awk” (“the wrong way round, backhanded”) and the directional suffix “-ward.”
What are 3 commonly misspelled words?
Some commonly misspelled words include:February (misspellings include Febuary, Februray, Februrery, Frebruary);received (misspellings include recieved);frightened (misspellings include frytened, frightend);cousin (misspellings include cusin, cousun);alright (misspellings include allright, all right);More items...
What is the #1 most misspelled word?
Accommodate. “Accommodate” was the most commonly misspelled word on both Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com in 2021. Kelly believes this word tops both lists because it's so hard to remember that both the C and the M are doubled. With both consonants doubled like that, it almost looks wrong, but it's correct.
Which is correct spelling scarey or scary?
This Grammar.com article is about scary - correct spelling — enjoy your reading! Not scarey. Example: My wife hates scary movies.
Which is correct wierd or weird?
“Weird” is an adjective that means “uncanny or strange.” People often misspell it as “wierd,” perhaps because they want to apply the “i before e” spelling rule. To avoid making this mistake, then, keep in mind that this word has a “weird” spelling!
Which is the correct spelling nervous nervous?
“Nervous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nervous.
How do you spell awkward silence?
Awkward silence definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary.
What is the plural of awkward?
awkward (plural awkwards)
What does "awk" mean in English?
Ayto writes that it’s a combination of the Middle English adjective “awk” (“the wrong way round, backhanded”) and the directional suffix “-ward.”
What does "awkward" mean in the poem?
Oxford says “awkward” meant “in the wrong direction, in the wrong way,” when it appeared for the first time in the Middle English poem Pricke of Conscience (1340): “Þe world þai all awkeward sette” (“They turned the world all awry”).
What does "gawky" mean?
One theory is that the adjective “gawky” (1759) and the verb “gawk” (1785) may have been influenced by an earlier adjective “gawk” (1703), which meant “left” and was used in the phrases “gawk-hand” and “gawk-handed.”
Where did the word "gawk" come from?
Another theory is that the 18th-century verb “gawk” may have come from “gaw,” a Middle English verb meaning to stare or look intently. Oxford compares “gaw,” dating from around 1300 and perhaps earlier, to the Old Norse gá (to heed). But this is all very speculative.
Is "awkward" an adjective?
Over the years, the adjective “awkward” has taken on many other senses.
Who used the adjective "awkerd" to describe an ungainly person?
In a July 15, 1665, entry in his Diary, Samuel Pepys used the adjective to describe an ungainly person: “The most awkerd man I ever met withal in my life.”
Is "gawky" a Scandinavian word?
Finally, you ask if “gawky” (ungainly) and “gawk” (to stare stupidly) are related to “awkward.” No, though all three words may perhaps have Scandinavian roots. However, the etymology here is uncertain or, as the OED puts it, “difficult.”
What does it mean when someone is awkward?
Someone who feels awkward behaves in a shy or embarrassed way.
What does awkward movement mean?
An awkward movement or position is uncomfortable or clumsy.
What is an awkward situation?
An awkward situation is embarrassing and difficult to deal with.
Why is it difficult to carry something?
Something that is awkward to use or carry is difficult to use or carry because of its design. A job that is awkward is difficult to do.
How many lists of words are there?
We have almost 200 lists of words from topics as varied as types of butterflies, jackets, currencies, vegetables and knots! Amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge! Read more
Has awkward moments been banished?
That is not to say awkward moments have been banished.
Is it awkward to talk about sad things?
It can be awkward and difficult to discuss things that are so sad.
What does "awk" mean in English?
Ayto writes that it’s a combination of the Middle English adjective “awk” (“the wrong way round, backhanded”) and the directional suffix “-ward.”
What does "awkward" mean in the poem?
Oxford says “awkward” meant “in the wrong direction, in the wrong way,” when it appeared for the first time in the Middle English poem Pricke of Conscience (1340): “Þe world þai all awkeward sette” (“They turned the world all awry”).
What does "gawky" mean?
One theory is that the adjective “gawky” (1759) and the verb “gawk” (1785) may have been influenced by an earlier adjective “gawk” (1703), which meant “left” and was used in the phrases “gawk-hand” and “gawk-handed.”
Where did the word "gawk" come from?
Another theory is that the 18th-century verb “gawk” may have come from “gaw,” a Middle English verb meaning to stare or look intently. Oxford compares “gaw,” dating from around 1300 and perhaps earlier, to the Old Norse gá (to heed). But this is all very speculative.
Is "awkward" an adjective?
Over the years, the adjective “awkward” has taken on many other senses.
Who used the adjective "awkerd" to describe an ungainly person?
In a July 15, 1665, entry in his Diary, Samuel Pepys used the adjective to describe an ungainly person: “The most awkerd man I ever met withal in my life.”
Is "gawky" a Scandinavian word?
Finally, you ask if “gawky” (ungainly) and “gawk” (to stare stupidly) are related to “awkward.” No, though all three words may perhaps have Scandinavian roots. However, the etymology here is uncertain or, as the OED puts it, “difficult.”
