How Do You Spell SPONGE?

Pronunciation: [spˈʌnd͡ʒ] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "sponge" can be explained using International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The initial consonant is represented by the symbol /s/, indicating a voiceless alveolar fricative. The following vowel is represented by the symbol /ɒ/, indicating an open back rounded vowel. The final consonant cluster is represented by the symbols /ndʒ/, indicating a voiced alveolar nasal and a voiced palato-alveolar affricate. By breaking down the sounds in this way, we can understand how the word "sponge" is spelled.

SPONGE Meaning and Definition

  1. A sponge is a type of porous, absorbent material that is commonly used for cleaning or bathing. It is typically made from natural sea sponges or synthetic materials. Sponges have a unique structure consisting of numerous small pores that allow them to absorb and hold onto liquid, making them effective for various cleaning tasks.

    In the context of cleaning, a sponge is often used in combination with soap or detergent to scrub surfaces and remove dirt, grime, or stains. The sponge's absorbent nature helps to lift and retain the dirt particles, allowing for efficient cleaning. Sponges can be found in various shapes and sizes, including rectangular, circular, or even specialized forms designed for specific cleaning purposes.

    Apart from cleaning, sponges are also commonly utilized for personal hygiene, particularly during bathing or showering. When wetted, a sponge can hold water and lather well with soap or shower gel, providing a gentle and thorough cleansing experience. Sea sponges, known for their natural origins, are favored by some individuals for their softness and ability to exfoliate the skin.

    The term "sponge" is also used beyond its physical object representation. It can metaphorically refer to a person who readily absorbs or takes advantage of others' generosity or resources without reciprocation, earning the term "sponger" or "sponge" as a label. This usage highlights the negative connotation associated with someone who exploits or takes advantage of others for personal gain.

  2. 1. The fibrous skeleton of an aquatic organism from which all cellular matter has been removed; employed in surgery for mopping away blood and other fluids during an operation; now usually replaced by 2. Any absorbent material, such as gauze or prepared cotton, used in lieu of a sponge in surgical operations. 3 Any material having a sponge like texture, such as iron sponge, used in the purification of water.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • A well-known porous substance much used for domestic purposes, being the skeleton of marine protozoa; a soft sponge-like substance for cleaning and wiping, &c.; one who pertinaciously lives upon others; bakers dough before it is finally kneaded and shaped to be baked into bread.
    • To wipe or cleanse with a sponge; to wipe out completely; to imbibe or suck in; to gain by mean arts; to harass by extortion.

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

Top Common Misspellings for SPONGE *

* 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 SPONGE

Etymology of SPONGE

The word "sponge" originated from the Old English word "spon" or "spong", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "spunjō". This word eventually evolved into "spunge" in Middle English and later became "sponge" in Modern English. The Proto-Germanic word may have been influenced by the Latin word "spongia", which had a similar meaning. Ultimately, the origins of the word can be connected to the Greek word "spongiā", which also referred to a sponge.

Idioms with the word SPONGE

  • sponge sth up The idiom "sponge sth up" typically means to quickly and eagerly absorb or take in information, knowledge, or skills. It often implies a person's ability to learn or grasp something easily and effortlessly. The phrase can also be used in a literal sense, referring to the act of soaking up liquid with a sponge.
  • sponge sth off of sm or sth The idiom "sponge something off of someone or something" generally means to take advantage of someone's or something's generosity or resources without giving anything in return. It implies someone constantly relying on others or exploiting their kindness without contributing in any significant way.
  • sponge sth from sth To "sponge something from something" is an idiomatic expression that means to obtain or extract something, usually information or knowledge, from someone or something. Example: "The journalist sponged all the necessary details from the witness in order to write a comprehensive article about the incident."
  • sponge sth from sm The idiom "sponge something from someone" means to obtain or acquire something from someone, often in a sly or manipulative manner. It refers to the act of taking advantage of someone's generosity or resources without giving anything in return, similar to how a sponge absorbs liquid without giving anything back.
  • sponge sm or sth down The idiom "sponge sm or sth down" means to clean or wipe something (or someone) using a sponge or similar object. It refers to the act of applying water or a cleaning solution to remove dirt, grime, or other substances from a surface.
  • throw in the sponge The idiom "throw in the sponge" means to give up, surrender, or concede defeat. It originates from boxing, where throwing in the sponge is a gesture made by the trainer or coach to signal the fighter's surrender and withdrawal from the match.
  • throw in the sponge/towel The idiom "throw in the sponge/towel" means to give up, surrender, or quit, especially when faced with a difficult or challenging situation. It is derived from the sport of boxing, where a boxer's trainer throws a sponge or towel into the ring to indicate their fighter's surrender. Similarly, in other contexts, it refers to admitting defeat or abandoning an effort or ambition.
  • throw in the towel/sponge To "throw in the towel" or "throw in the sponge" is an idiomatic expression that means to give up, surrender, or admit defeat. It originates from the world of boxing, where a boxer's coach would literally throw a towel or sponge into the ring to signal the boxer's resignation.
  • sponge sth away The idiom "sponge sth away" refers to the act of effortlessly and quickly eliminating or getting rid of something, typically a problem, difficulty, or debt. It implies the ease of absorbing and eliminating a situation, usually without significant effort or consequences.
  • sponge away

Similar spelling words for SPONGE

Plural form of SPONGE is SPONGES

Conjugate verb Sponge

CONDITIONAL

I would sponge
you would sponge
he/she/it would sponge
we would sponge
they would sponge

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be sponging
you would be sponging
he/she/it would be sponging
we would be sponging
they would be sponging

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have sponge
you would have sponge
he/she/it would have sponge
we would have sponge
they would have sponge

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been sponging
you would have been sponging
he/she/it would have been sponging
we would have been sponging
they would have been sponging

FUTURE

I will sponge
you will sponge
he/she/it will sponge
we will sponge
they will sponge

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be sponging
you will be sponging
he/she/it will be sponging
we will be sponging
they will be sponging

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have sponged
you will have sponged
he/she/it will have sponged
we will have sponged
they will have sponged

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been sponging
you will have been sponging
he/she/it will have been sponging
we will have been sponging
they will have been sponging

IMPERATIVE

you sponge
we let´s sponge

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to sponge

PAST

I sponged
you sponged
he/she/it sponged
we sponged
they sponged

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was sponging
you were sponging
he/she/it was sponging
we were sponging
they were sponging

PAST PARTICIPLE

sponged

PAST PERFECT

I had sponged
you had sponged
he/she/it had sponged
we had sponged
they had sponged

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been sponging
you had been sponging
he/she/it had been sponging
we had been sponging
they had been sponging

PRESENT

I sponge
you sponge
he/she/it sponges
we sponge
they sponge

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am sponging
you are sponging
he/she/it is sponging
we are sponging
they are sponging

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

sponging

PRESENT PERFECT

I have sponged
you have sponged
he/she/it has sponged
we have sponged
they have sponged

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been sponging
you have been sponging
he/she/it has been sponging
we have been sponging
they have been sponging
I would have sponged
we would have sponged
you would have sponged
he/she/it would have sponged
they would have sponged

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