DOUBLETS Meaning and
Definition
-
Doublets are pairs of words that are derived from the same original word but have undergone different phonological developments. These pairs typically consist of an earlier form of a word and a later form that has undergone a shift in pronunciation or spelling. The concept of doublets often arises from historical linguistics and etymology.
The process of forming doublets can occur due to various reasons, such as borrowing from different languages, sound changes over time, or semantic shifts. For example, the English words "wardrobe" and "guardrobe" are doublets derived from the Old French word "garderobe." "Wardrobe" comes from the altered form of the word influenced by "ward" (meaning to protect), while "guardrobe" retains the original spelling.
Doublets reflect the rich and complex history of language development, revealing how words change and evolve over time. By examining doublets, linguists can trace the historical paths of words, unveiling connections between different languages and understanding the diverse influences on vocabulary. Furthermore, doublets offer insights into phonetic changes, illustrating how sounds shift and adapt in languages.
Studying doublets can also be useful for learners of languages, providing a deeper understanding of word meanings and connections. Recognizing doublets allows individuals to identify similarities and differences between related words, facilitating vocabulary acquisition and comprehension.
Top Common Misspellings for DOUBLETS *
* 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 DOUBLETS
Etymology of DOUBLETS
The word "doublets" is derived from the Middle English word "doublet" which entered English in the late 14th century. It originated from the Old French word "doblet", meaning "a close-fitting garment", and ultimately comes from the Latin word "duplus", meaning "double". The term "doublet" initially referred to a close-fitting padded jacket worn by men in the 15th and 16th centuries, and later evolved to refer to a variety of similar garments. In the context of linguistics or language, "doublets" refers to words with the same etymological origin but different phonetic forms or spellings due to various linguistic changes over time.
Similar spelling words for DOUBLETS
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
