How Do You Spell WASTREL?

Pronunciation: [wˈastɹə͡l] (IPA)

The word "wastrel" is spelled with a silent "w" at the beginning, followed by the letters "a," "s," and "t" pronounced like /ˈweɪs.trəl/. The word means a person who wastes their money or resources, often in a reckless or extravagant way. It comes from the Old English word "wæstrǣl," which meant "one who scatters, a destroyed man." Despite its similarity to the word "waste," the pronunciation and spelling of "wastrel" are unique and distinct.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
Plural
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WASTREL Meaning and Definition

  1. A wastrel is a noun that refers to a person who is habitually wasteful or extravagant, particularly with regard to money or resources. This term is often used to describe an individual who lives an idle or dissolute lifestyle, displaying little regard for responsibility or productivity. Wastrels typically demonstrate a lack of discipline and self-control, indulging in excessive and unnecessary expenditures without considering the consequences.

    This word originates from the combination of "waste," meaning the act of squandering or using something extravagantly or carelessly, and the suffix "-rel," denoting an individual or character. A wastrel portrays a lifestyle or behavior that is centered around squandering or wasting, whether it be financial, material, or even emotional resources.

    The wastrel is commonly associated with idleness, laziness, and lack of ambition, often relying on the generosity or support of others to maintain their extravagant lifestyle. They may exhibit a disregard for future planning or stability, emphasizing instant gratification and immediate pleasures instead. Whether it is through reckless spending, excessive consumption, or a careless lifestyle, wastrels frequently face financial hardship and may struggle to develop meaningful relationships due to their self-indulgent tendencies.

    In literary contexts, wastrels are often depicted as morally bankrupt characters who serve as cautionary examples of the destructive consequences of indolence and irresponsibility.

Common Misspellings for WASTREL

Etymology of WASTREL

The word "wastrel" originated from Middle English, specifically from the combination of "waste" and the suffix "-rel".

The term "waste" derived from the Old North French word "wast" or "gast", meaning "desolate" or "empty". It further traces back to the Latin word "vastus", which carries a similar meaning of "empty" or "desolate". In English, "waste" initially referred to a barren or uncultivated land, eventually expanding into a broader meaning of something unproductive or unused.

The suffix "-rel" also came from Old North French, where it was used to form diminutives or terms of endearment. In the case of "wastrel", the suffix was added to "waste" to denote a son or descendant who squanders or wastes resources.

Similar spelling words for WASTREL

Plural form of WASTREL is WASTRELS

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Correct spelling for wastrel
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