How Do You Spell BOWS?

Pronunciation: [bˈə͡ʊz] (IPA)

The word "bows" is spelled with the letter "s" at the end, even though it sounds like "bow" (rhymes with "go"). This is because the spelling follows the rule where if a word ends in a voiceless sound (like "f", "k", or "s"), the final letter is usually doubled before adding -ed, -ing, or -s. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word "bows" is /boʊz/, with the symbol "z" representing the voiced "s" sound at the end.

BOWS Meaning and Definition

  1. Bows can be defined as a noun with various meanings, depending on the context in which it is used. One of the common definitions of bows refers to the distinctive and decorative loops or knots made with ribbons, threads, or other materials. These bows are often used to embellish gifts, clothing, or accessories like hairbands. Bows are typically created by crossing two loops and tying them together, resulting in a decorative and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

    In another context, bows can be defined as the act of bending the upper body forward from the waist in order to express respect, appreciation, or acknowledgement. This gesture is particularly associated with greetings or formal occasions, in which individuals express politeness or reverence towards others. Additionally, bows can also be performed by performers, such as ballet dancers or orchestral musicians, as a part of their artistic expression during performances.

    Furthermore, the term "bows" can also refer to the weapon used for shooting arrows. These bows are often composed of a curved piece of resilient material, such as wood or fiberglass, which is held in tension between the archer's hands. Bows are used in various activities such as hunting, sport, and historical reenactments. They can possess different designs, such as longbows, recurve bows, or compound bows, each exhibiting unique characteristics and advantages in terms of power, accuracy, and ease of use.

    Overall, bows encompass a range of meanings, including decorative loops, respectful gestures, and the weapons used for archery.

  2. The two sides of the fore part of a ship.

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

Top Common Misspellings for BOWS *

* 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 BOWS

Etymology of BOWS

The word "bows" has multiple origins and meanings, so it would be helpful to specify which context you are referring to. Here are a couple of possible origins for the word in different contexts:

1. "Bows" as in the plural form of "bow" (a knot or a weapon):

- The word "bow" originated from the Old English word "boga", which is related to the Old Norse word "bogi". Both words meant "to bend" or "to curve". The plural form "bows" reflects the regular pluralization in English.

2. "Bows" as in the plural form of "bow" (the front part of a ship or a gesture of respect):

- In this context, "bows" is from the Old English word "boga" mentioned earlier, which meant "bend" or "curve".

Idioms with the word BOWS

  • fire a shot across bows The idiom "fire a shot across bows" means to issue a warning or threat, usually in a forceful or assertive manner, to signal the start of a conflict or confrontation. It derives from the practice of firing a warning shot from a ship across the bow of another vessel to show intent or to display military superiority. In a figurative sense, it refers to taking an action or making a statement that serves as a clear signal of one's intentions or capabilities.
  • fire a shot across sb's/the bows The idiom "fire a shot across someone's/the bows" means to issue a warning or threat in order to deter someone from certain actions or to indicate readiness for a potential conflict. It originates from naval warfare, where firing a shot across an enemy ship's bows served as a signal of warning or intimidation, prompting them to change their course or cease hostile behavior. In a figurative sense, it is used to convey a similar message of caution or display of strength in various situations.
  • a shot across the/somebody’s bows The idiom "a shot across the/somebody's bows" refers to a warning or threat given to someone or a group in order to make them reconsider their actions or intentions. It originates from naval warfare, where ships would fire a warning shot in front of an enemy vessel to signal the intention to attack unless they change their course or behavior. In a broader sense, it can be used to indicate a forceful warning or admonishment issued to prevent a potential conflict or negative outcome.
  • a shot across somebody's bows The idiom "a shot across somebody's bows" refers to a warning or threat issued to someone in order to deter or intimidate them. The phrase originates from naval warfare, where firing a warning shot across an enemy ship's bows served as a signal for them to halt or surrender. Therefore, figuratively, it implies a strong message or action intended to make someone reconsider their course of action.
  • a shot across the bows The idiom "a shot across the bows" refers to a warning or an action intended to signal a threat or convey a message of reprisal or potential harm. It originates from naval terminology, where a warning shot would be fired across the bows (the front part) of an approaching ship to indicate that further action, such as firing on the vessel, would be taken if necessary. In a broader context, the phrase is used figuratively to describe any action or statement that serves as a clear signal or warning of impending consequences.
  • a warning shot across the bows The idiom "a warning shot across the bows" refers to a signal or action that serves as a warning or indication of possible trouble or conflict. It originally comes from naval warfare, where a warning shot fired across the bows of a ship would serve as a sign to change course or face potential consequences. In a broader sense, it is used to describe a preemptive action meant to prevent or deter undesirable consequences.
  • cross (one's) bows The idiom "cross (one's) bows" figuratively refers to a situation where someone or something interrupts or obstructs someone else's plans or actions. It often implies a confrontation or challenge that hinders or opposes progress.

Similar spelling words for BOWS

Conjugate verb Bows

CONDITIONAL

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

PAST

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

PAST PERFECT

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

PRESENT

I bow
we bow
you bow
he/she/it bows
they bow

PRESENT PERFECT

I have bowed
we have bowed
you have bowed
he/she/it has bowed
they have bowed
I am bowing
we are bowing
you are bowing
he/she/it is bowing
they are bowing
I was bowing
we were bowing
you were bowing
he/she/it was bowing
they were bowing
I will be bowing
we will be bowing
you will be bowing
he/she/it will be bowing
they will be bowing
I have been bowing
we have been bowing
you have been bowing
he/she/it has been bowing
they have been bowing
I had been bowing
we had been bowing
you had been bowing
he/she/it had been bowing
they had been bowing
I will have been bowing
we will have been bowing
you will have been bowing
he/she/it will have been bowing
they will have been bowing
I would have bowed
we would have bowed
you would have bowed
he/she/it would have bowed
they would have bowed
I would be bowing
we would be bowing
you would be bowing
he/she/it would be bowing
they would be bowing
I would have been bowing
we would have been bowing
you would have been bowing
he/she/it would have been bowing
they would have been bowing

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