How Do You Spell BOROUGH?

Pronunciation: [bˈʌɹə] (IPA)

The word "borough" is pronounced as /ˈbʌrə/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet. Despite having eight letters, it only has four sounds: "b", "u", "r", and "o". This irregularity in spelling is due to the word's origin from Old English, where it was spelled as "burh" or "burg". The spelling "borough" emerged later in Middle English, with the "ough" representing the sound of "u". Today, the word is commonly used to refer to a small town or community within a larger city or county.

BOROUGH Meaning and Definition

  1. A borough is a term commonly used to describe a local government unit within a larger administrative division, such as a city or county. It refers to a specific and defined area that holds a certain level of self-governance, typically with its own elected officials responsible for local matters, services, and regulations.

    In regards to its historical context, a borough can represent a town or urban settlement that was granted a specific legal status. This may have been achieved through a charter or a royal decree that granted certain privileges and rights to a particular community.

    The size and scope of a borough can vary greatly, ranging from small and tightly-knit communities to large and densely populated urban areas. It is important to note that the definition of a borough can vary depending on the country or region in which it is being used.

    In some regions, especially in the United Kingdom and certain American states, a borough may also refer to a district or administrative division within a larger city. These boroughs often have their own legislative bodies or councils and are responsible for local governance and representation.

    Overall, a borough encompasses a local governmental unit, typically with limited authority and responsibilities, within a larger administrative division such as a city or county.

  2. A corporate town; a town which sends a burgess to Parliament; borough-English, a customary descent of lands to the youngest son; boroughmonger, one who traffics in the patronage of parliamentary boroughs.

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

Top Common Misspellings for BOROUGH *

* 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 BOROUGH

Etymology of BOROUGH

The word "borough" has its origins in Old English, derived from the Old English word "burh" or "burg". The term was used to refer to a fortified town or a fortified settlement, often surrounded by a wall or ramparts for defense purposes. In Old English, "burh" or "burg" came from the Proto-Germanic word "*burgs". This word, in turn, is believed to have ultimately originated from the Proto-Indo-European root "*bʰr̥ǵʰ-", meaning "fortress" or "high place". Over time, the meaning of "borough" shifted to encompass a wider range of urban settlements and administrative divisions.

Similar spelling words for BOROUGH

Plural form of BOROUGH is BOROUGHS

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