How to Spell Beautiful in Standard American English
The English language is full of tricky spellings, and the word "beautiful" is no exception. It’s a relatively short word, but it can be difficult to remember how to spell it correctly. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the spelling of "beautiful" and provide some tips on how to remember it.
Why is "Beautiful" Spelled with an "E"?
One of the most common questions about the spelling of "beautiful" is why it’s spelled with an "e" instead of an "a." The answer lies in the word’s etymology. "Beautiful" comes from the Old French word "belet," which means "fair" or "handsome." The "e" in the spelling of "beautiful" is a vestige of the Old French word.
How to Remember the Spelling of "Beautiful"
There are several tips you can use to help you remember how to spell "beautiful." Here are a few of the most effective:
- Break the word into syllables. "Beautiful" is a four-syllable word: "beau-ti-ful." Breaking the word into syllables can make it easier to remember how to spell it.
- Use a mnemonic device. A mnemonic device is a memory aid that can help you remember information. For example, you could use the following mnemonic device to remember the spelling of "beautiful": "Beauty is eternal, ugly is not."
- Practice writing the word. The more you practice writing "beautiful," the more likely you are to remember how to spell it correctly. Try writing the word in a sentence or two to help you practice.
Common Misspellings of "Beautiful"
Here are some of the most common misspellings of "beautiful":
- Beutiful
- Beautiul
- Butiful
- Beutifull
- Beutifal
If you see any of these misspellings, be sure to correct them.
Conclusion
"Beautiful" is a relatively short word, but it can be difficult to spell correctly. By following the tips in this article, you can improve your chances of spelling "beautiful" correctly every time.
FAQ
Why is "beautiful" spelled with two "L"s?
The double "L" in "beautiful" is a vestige of the Old French word "belet," which means "fair" or "handsome." The double "L" was originally used to indicate that the preceding vowel was long. However, over time, the pronunciation of the word changed, and the double "L" is now silent.
What is the plural of "beautiful"?
The plural of "beautiful" is "beautifuls." However, it is more common to use the phrase "beautiful things" or "beautiful people" to refer to multiple beautiful things or people.
How do you spell "beautiful" in other languages?
Here is how to spell "beautiful" in other languages:
- Spanish: hermoso
- French: beau
- Italian: bello
- German: schön
- Chinese: 美丽 (měilì)
- Japanese: 美しい (utsukushii)
