How Do You Spell PUT TO?

Pronunciation: [pˈʊt tuː] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "put to" is somewhat irregular, with the "t" sound being represented by both a "t" and a "d" depending on the context. In IPA phonetic transcription, the first "t" in "put to" is pronounced as a normal voiceless dental plosive, represented as [t]. However, the second "t" in "put to" is often pronounced as a voiced dental plosive, represented as [d], when it is followed by a word starting with a vowel sound. This is called intervocalic voicing, and is a common sound change in English.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
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PUT TO Meaning and Definition

  1. "Put to" is a phrasal verb that is commonly used to describe various actions or situations. It can have several different meanings depending on the context.

    One primary meaning of "put to" is to propose or present someone with a question, problem, or challenge, often with the intention of seeking their opinion, decision, or judgment. For example, one might say, "The jury was put to the test when they had to decide the defendant's guilt or innocence."

    Another meaning of "put to" is to cause someone to experience or undergo a particular situation or condition. This usage often implies subjecting someone to a test, trial, or hardship. For instance, you might hear someone say, "The new employees were put to work immediately, with little time for training."

    In a different context, "put to" can also indicate the act of using or dedicating an amount of money, effort, or resources for a specific purpose. For instance, one can say, "She put all her savings to buying a new car."

    Overall, "put to" is a versatile phrasal verb that can convey the act of posing a question, subjecting someone to a situation, or allocating resources. Its meaning is contingent on the context in which it is used, often requiring further clarification to fully understand its intent.

Common Misspellings for PUT TO

  • pyt to
  • pht to
  • pjt to
  • pit to
  • p8t to
  • p7t to
  • pur to
  • puf to
  • pug to
  • puy to
  • pu6 to
  • pu5 to
  • put ro
  • put fo
  • put go
  • put yo
  • put 6o
  • put 5o
  • put ti
  • put tk

Etymology of PUT TO

The phrase "put to" has various different meanings and therefore, its etymology can vary depending on the specific usage. Here are a few examples:

1. "Put to" meaning to apply, employ, or use: The phrase in this sense is derived from Old English and Middle English. The verb "put" comes from the Old English word "putian" meaning "to thrust, push, or put forward". The preposition "to" indicates the direction or purpose of the action.

2. "Put to" meaning to assign a task or impose a burden: In this sense, the phrase can be traced back to Middle English and the Old French word "mettre" meaning "to put" and the Old English word "to" meaning "at, on, against". Therefore, together they signify "to put on" or "to place a burden on".

Idioms with the word PUT TO

  • put to rest The idiom "put to rest" means to resolve or settle an issue or argument, often by providing evidence or concluding information that ends any further doubts or disagreements.
  • put to bed The idiom "put to bed" means to complete or finish something, typically a task or project. It refers to the act of concluding or finalizing a particular matter or issue.
  • put to sleep The idiom "put to sleep" generally means to euthanize an animal or to induce a deep sleep, often referring to the act of euthanizing a pet when there is no hope for recovery from a serious illness or injury.
  • put to use The idiom "put to use" means to utilize or apply something effectively for a specific purpose or task. It implies taking action or making practical use of something rather than letting it go to waste.
  • put to death The idiom "put to death" refers to the act of intentionally and legally causing someone's death, typically as a punishment for a serious crime, often through execution or capital punishment.
  • put to shame The idiom "put to shame" means to overtly or inadvertently make someone or something feel inferior, embarrassed, or inadequate, usually by demonstrating superiority or outperforming them. It signifies surpassing someone's expectations or achievements to the point of causing embarrassment or a loss of dignity.
  • put to flight The idiom "put to flight" means to cause someone or something to flee or run away in fear or defeat. It refers to the act of making someone or something retreat or be driven away forcefully.
  • put to the sword The idiom "put to the sword" means to kill or execute someone, usually with a sword or other deadly weapon. It refers to a violent act of ending someone's life.
  • be put to the sword The idiom "be put to the sword" refers to the act of being executed or killed, usually by sword, in a brutal or violent manner. It is often used to describe a situation where someone or something is violently dealt with, defeated, or destroyed.
  • put to the blush The phrase "put to the blush" means to cause someone to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or modest. It refers to a situation where someone is exposed or caught in a situation that reveals their flaws, misconduct, or personal details, leading to a sense of embarrassment or shame.
  • be hard put to (do something) The idiom "be hard put to (do something)" means to be in a situation where it is difficult or challenging to accomplish or achieve something. It implies being faced with obstacles or circumstances that make it demanding or nearly impossible to do a particular task or achieve a desired outcome.
  • be put to death The idiom "be put to death" means to be sentenced to execution or to be killed as a result of a punishment, usually for a serious crime.
  • hard put to (do something) The idiom "hard put to (do something)" means to struggle or find it difficult to accomplish a particular task or achieve a specific outcome. It implies a situation that is challenging or demanding, often requiring great effort or resources.
  • hard put to The idiom "hard put to" means being in a difficult or challenging situation where one is struggling to find a solution or make a decision. It refers to being in a state of perplexity or having limited options to resolve a problem or accomplish a task.
  • put to it The idiom "put to it" means to be faced with a challenging or difficult situation where one must think or act quickly in order to find a solution. It is often used to describe a person's ability or resourcefulness when confronted with a problem or predicament.
  • be hard put to The idiom "be hard put to" means to be faced with a difficult or challenging situation in which it is not easy to do something or find a solution. It implies being in a state of struggle or being unable to accomplish a task easily.
  • be put to rights The idiom "be put to rights" means to be organized, fixed, or restored to a satisfactory condition. It refers to resolving and correcting any issues or problems that exist, so that things are in proper order or functioning correctly.
  • put to bed with a shovel "Put to bed with a shovel" is an idiom that means to kill or bury something or someone. It can also refer to trying to eliminate or resolve an issue or problem in a drastic or final way.

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