How Do You Spell HAIRS BREATH?

Pronunciation: [hˈe͡əz bɹˈɛθ] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the phrase "hair's breadth" refers to a very small distance or difference, and is often used figuratively to describe a close call or narrow escape. The pronunciation is /hɛrz brɛθ/, where the first syllable rhymes with "bare" and the second syllable is pronounced like "breadth." The apostrophe in "hair's" denotes possession by a single hair, indicating just how small the distance or difference really is. This phrase is often misspelled as "hairs breath," but the correct spelling should always include the apostrophe.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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HAIRS BREATH Meaning and Definition

  1. Hair's breadth is a colloquial term that is often used to describe an extremely small or narrow distance or measurement. It refers to a distance so minuscule that it is comparable to the thickness of a single strand of hair. The term "hair's breadth" is derived from the literal meaning of "breadth," which signifies the width or the smallest measurable distance.

    Often used in figurative language, hair's breadth emphasizes the narrowness, delicacy, or precision of a situation or measurement. It implies that the space or margin for error is extremely limited or nearly nonexistent. For example, one might say that a person narrowly avoided a disaster by a hair's breadth, conveying the idea that they barely escaped a potentially harmful or dangerous situation.

    The expression can also be used to describe a level of accuracy or precision in a measurement or estimation. It suggests that the measurement or estimation is incredibly fine, precise, or small. For instance, one might say that a skilled craftsman can cut a piece of wood to within a hair's breadth of the desired length, indicating the high level of accuracy and precision demonstrated in their work.

    Overall, hair's breadth is a phrase that underscores the idea of a minute distance or measurement, as well as the precision or narrowness of a situation or action.

Common Misspellings for HAIRS BREATH

  • hairs-breadth
  • hairbreath
  • gairs breath
  • bairs breath
  • nairs breath
  • jairs breath
  • uairs breath
  • yairs breath
  • hzirs breath
  • hsirs breath
  • hwirs breath
  • hqirs breath
  • haurs breath
  • hajrs breath
  • hakrs breath
  • haors breath
  • ha9rs breath
  • ha8rs breath
  • haies breath
  • haids breath

Etymology of HAIRS BREATH

The phrase "hair's breadth" is derived from the Old English word "haer" meaning "hair" and "bred" meaning "breadth" or "width". Together, they describe an extremely narrow or minute distance, emphasizing the thinness of a hair. This expression has been in use since the 16th century to refer to something that is very close, fine, or delicate.