How Do You Spell HURDLE?

Pronunciation: [hˈɜːdə͡l] (IPA)

The word "hurdle" is spelled with four letters: H-U-R-D-L-E. In International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription, it can be represented as /ˈhɜːdəl/. The first sound is a voiceless glottal fricative "h" followed by an open-mid central vowel "ɜː". The "r" sound is pronounced with the middle of the tongue curled back in the mouth. The next sound is a voiced alveolar plosive "d" followed by a dark "l" that is pronounced in the back of the mouth. Finally, the word ends with a schwa "ə" sound.

HURDLE Meaning and Definition

  1. A hurdle is a noun that refers to an obstacle or barrier that obstructs progress or achievement in any endeavor. It can also denote a type of barrier used in sports to test and challenge participants' agility and ability to overcome physical limitations. Figuratively, "hurdle" signifies any form of difficulty, challenge, or setback impeding the smooth accomplishment of a task or goal.

    In a sporting context, a hurdle specifically represents a collapsible fence, typically made of wooden or metal bars, placed at intervals on a racecourse. Athletes are required to jump over these obstacles without knocking them down, both effectively and swiftly, to succeed in their events. The height and spacing of hurdles increase as one advances in level and competition, intensifying the challenge.

    Beyond the realm of sports, hurdles can manifest in various forms, such as mental, emotional, or physical obstacles that must be faced and overcome to reach a desired outcome. These obstacles may come in the shape of personal limitations, external circumstances, or institutional constraints that demand effort, determination, and resilience to surmount.

    To overcome hurdles, individuals often need to strategize, plan, and adapt their approach, utilizing problem-solving skills and leveraging available resources efficiently. The ability to navigate these barriers is often seen as a reflection of strength, perseverance, and ingenuity. By successfully conquering hurdles, individuals can move closer to their desired objectives, whether personal, professional, or athletic, experiencing growth and achievement along the way.

  2. • A framework of intertwined twigs or the smaller branches of trees; a crate.
    • Frames for fencing, &c.
    • To enclose or guard with hurdles.

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

Top Common Misspellings for HURDLE *

* 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 HURDLE

Etymology of HURDLE

The word "hurdle" has its origins in the Old English word "hyrdel" or "hyrdel̄", which means a portable frame or barrier that can be used to enclose animals or as an obstacle in a race. It is believed to have derived from the Proto-Germanic word "hurdiz", which means a hurdle or a frame made of intertwined twigs or branches. This Proto-Germanic term is further traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "ḱert", meaning "to turn" or "to entwine". The concept of a hurdle or obstacle made from interwoven branches has been present in various cultures throughout history, leading to the development of the word "hurdle" in English.

Idioms with the word HURDLE

  • fall at the first hurdle The idiom "fall at the first hurdle" means to fail or be defeated at the very beginning of a task or endeavor, often due to a lack of ability, preparation, or determination. It refers to someone stumbling or being unable to overcome the initial obstacle or challenge.
  • fall at the final hurdle The idiom "fall at the final hurdle" refers to failing or experiencing a setback or defeat just before reaching the ultimate goal or achieving success. It implies that the person or endeavor was very close to completing or accomplishing something but encountered an unexpected obstacle or made a crucial mistake that led to failure.
  • fall at the last hurdle The idiom "fall at the last hurdle" means to fail or experience a setback or defeat just before reaching the final stage or achieving a goal. It refers to a situation where someone or something encounters difficulties or obstacles at the very end of a process, which prevents them from being successful or completing a task.

Similar spelling words for HURDLE

Conjugate verb Hurdle

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have hurdled
you would have hurdled
he/she/it would have hurdled
we would have hurdled
they would have hurdled
I would have hurdle
you would have hurdle
he/she/it would have hurdle
we would have hurdle
they would have hurdle

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

you hurdle
we let´s hurdle

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to hurdle

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

hurdled

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I hurdle
you hurdle
he/she/it hurdles
we hurdle
they hurdle

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

hurdling

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been hurdling
you have been hurdling
he/she/it has been hurdling
we have been hurdling
they have been hurdling

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it hurdle

SIMPLE PAST

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

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