How Do You Spell AWKWARD?

Pronunciation: [ˈɔːkwəd] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "awkward" may be difficult to remember because it's not completely phonetic. First, the "a" is pronounced as in "apple" (/ˈɑːkwərd/), not as in "awful". Second, the "kw" combination is pronounced as /kw/, not as two separate sounds. However, the "w" is silent in the middle of the word, so it's pronounced as "awk-erd". Overall, the word may feel awkward to spell, but with practice, it can become second nature.

AWKWARD Meaning and Definition

  1. Awkward is an adjective that describes a situation, action, or person as uncomfortable, embarrassing, or clumsy. It characterizes something that lacks ease, grace, or smoothness in its presentation or execution. When used to describe a person, it refers to someone who is socially or physically uncoordinated, often causing discomfort or a feeling of unease in others. Awkwardness can manifest through social interactions, physical movements, or situations.

    In social contexts, an awkward person may struggle to engage in conversation or understandably interpret social cues, leading to uncomfortable silences or inappropriate responses. They may appear hesitant, unsure, or lacking confidence, making others feel uneasy or sympathetically embarrassed. Physical awkwardness refers to uncoordinated or clumsy movements, often leading to accidents or mishaps. Awkward situations are those that induce discomfort, embarrassment, or difficulty; examples include being caught in a lie, public speaking, or witnessing a disagreement.

    Awkwardness is often a subjective perception, varying from person to person. Some individuals may display awkwardness more frequently than others due to shyness, lack of practice, or inherent traits. However, it is important to note that labeling someone as awkward should be done with sensitivity, as it can contribute to feelings of self-consciousness or social isolation. Ultimately, understanding and empathy towards those who may be perceived as awkward are necessary to foster inclusivity and understanding in social, emotional, and physical contexts.

  2. Clumsy; bungling; unable to use hands or tools easily.

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

Top Common Misspellings for AWKWARD *

* 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 AWKWARD

Etymology of AWKWARD

The word "awkward" originated from the Old Norse word "öfugr" meaning "turned the wrong way around" or "backwards". It was borrowed into Middle English as "awkeward" with the same meaning. Over time, the term evolved into its current form, "awkward", retaining its sense of lacking grace or being clumsy.

Idioms with the word AWKWARD

  • an awkward customer The idiom "an awkward customer" refers to a difficult or challenging person to deal with. It typically describes someone who is unpredictable, stubborn, demanding, or generally problematic in their behavior or actions. This phrase is often used in a colloquial or informal manner to express the challenges and complications associated with interacting or working with such an individual.
  • the awkward age The idiom "the awkward age" refers to the period of adolescence or early adulthood when individuals are going through physical and emotional changes, often characterized by feelings of self-consciousness, insecurity, and social awkwardness. It is a stage of life marked by uncertainty and the challenges of navigating the transition from childhood to adulthood.
  • (as) awkward as a cow on a crutch The idiom "(as) awkward as a cow on a crutch" is an exaggerated way of describing someone or something that is incredibly clumsy, uncoordinated, or inept in their actions or movements. It implies a lack of grace or ability, comparing the exaggerated awkwardness to the image of a cow trying to walk on a crutch, which is inherently unstable and unnatural for them.
  • awkward as a cow on a crutch The idiom "awkward as a cow on a crutch" is an expression used to describe someone or something that is extremely clumsy, uncoordinated, or inept. It highlights a situation or person's lack of grace or skill, emphasizing their inability to navigate or perform tasks smoothly and effortlessly.
  • the awkward squad The idiom "the awkward squad" refers to a group of individuals who are difficult to manage or work with due to their unconventional or challenging behavior. It commonly refers to people who resist authority, are rebellious, or whose attitudes and actions disrupt the smooth functioning of a group or organization.
  • put sm in an awkward position The idiom "put someone in an awkward position" means to cause someone to be in a difficult or uncomfortable situation, often by asking them to make a decision or take an action that is embarrassing, compromising, or goes against their beliefs or values.
  • place someone in an awkward position The idiom "place someone in an awkward position" means to create a situation in which someone feels uncomfortable, embarrassed, or unsure of how to act or respond. It refers to putting someone in a difficult or disadvantageous position where they may struggle to handle the circumstances effectively.
  • place sm in an awkward position The idiom "place someone in an awkward position" refers to putting someone in a situation that is uncomfortable, embarrassing, or difficult to handle. It often involves circumstances that create tension or conflict for the individual, making them feel uneasy or unsure how to respond.
  • put someone in an awkward position The idiom "put someone in an awkward position" means to place someone in a difficult or uncomfortable situation, typically where they are forced to make a decision or take an action that may have negative consequences. It can also refer to situations where someone is caught between conflicting interests or loyalties, resulting in an uncomfortable or challenging position.
  • place in an awkward position The idiom "place in an awkward position" refers to a situation where someone is put in a difficult or uncomfortable circumstance, often due to external factors or actions beyond their control. It implies a sense of being caught off guard or unprepared, leading to feelings of awkwardness, embarrassment, or inconvenience.

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