How Do You Spell WINDOWSILL?

Pronunciation: [wˈɪndə͡ʊsˌɪl] (IPA)

The spelling of 'windowsill' has caused confusion for some due to the unusual placement of the letter 's'. However, the phonetic transcription shows that the word is correctly spelled as /ˈwɪndoʊsɪl/. The 's' sound comes after the 'n' in the first syllable, while the 'll' at the end is pronounced as a single 'l' sound. This is because the word is made up of the root 'window' and the suffix '-sill', which comes from the Old English 'sylle', meaning 'shelf'.

WINDOWSILL Meaning and Definition

  1. A windowsill is a flat, horizontal surface located at the base of a windows frame. It is typically made of wood, stone, or other materials and is meant to extend the interior space of a window. The windowsill's primary function is to provide structural support and act as a barrier between the interior and exterior environment. It often acts as a ledge for displaying various items or plants, as well as serving as a spot for comfortable seating or storage.

    Windowsills have been an architectural element in houses for centuries, originating in ancient Rome and Greece. They serve as a functional and decorative part of a window, allowing natural light to enter a room while providing a practical space for activities such as reading or enjoying a view.

    In addition to its functional purposes, a windowsill can also have cultural and symbolic significance. It is a common place for homeowners to place personal items, such as photographs, trinkets, or decorative objects, which can reflect their tastes and personal history. Windowsills are often associated with domesticity, warmth, and a connection to the outdoors, creating a connection between the indoor and outdoor worlds.

    Overall, a windowsill is an essential architectural feature in homes, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. It enhances the overall design of a window while offering a practical and versatile space within the interior living environment.

Top Common Misspellings for WINDOWSILL *

* 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 WINDOWSILL

Etymology of WINDOWSILL

The word "windowsill" is derived from the combination of two words: "window" and "sill".

The term "window" originated from the Old Norse word "vindauga", which was a compound word made up of "vindr" meaning "wind" and "auga" meaning "eye". The Middle English word "windowe" was later derived from this, referring to an opening in a wall for light and air to pass through.

The word "sill" comes from the Old English word "syl", which referred to a timber beam or a threshold. It is believed to have originated from an Indo-European root meaning "to hold, support".

Combining these two words, "window" and "sill", creates the term "windowsill", which refers to the horizontal ledge or shelf-like structure at the bottom of a window opening.

Similar spelling words for WINDOWSILL

Plural form of WINDOWSILL is WINDOWSILLS

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