How Do You Spell SLEDGEHAMMER?

Pronunciation: [slˈɛd͡ʒhamə] (IPA)

The word "sledgehammer" is spelled with a unique combination of sounds that can be tricky to master. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled /slɛdʒˌhæmər/. The "s" and "l" sounds at the beginning are followed by a "dʒ" sound, which is a combination of "d" and "zh" sounds. The second syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound, and the word ends with the phonetic cluster "mər." Overall, mastering the spelling and pronunciation of "sledgehammer" requires careful attention to each individual sound in the word.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Plural
Conjugate verb
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SLEDGEHAMMER Meaning and Definition

  1. A sledgehammer is a heavy, blunt tool primarily used for manual labor tasks that require immense force and impact. It typically consists of a long handle made of wood or metal, often reinforced with a shock-absorbing material, attached to a large, heavy head made of steel. The head of the sledgehammer is typically rectangular or octagonal and weighs between six and eighteen pounds.

    The design of the sledgehammer is intended to ensure efficient transfer of energy to the target object with each powerful strike. The tool finds extensive use in construction, demolition, and other demanding physical activities. Its immense strength and weight make it suitable for tasks such as breaking walls, driving stakes or posts into the ground, and breaking up concrete or rock.

    The action of using a sledgehammer involves gripping the handle securely, raising the tool overhead, and forcefully bringing it down onto the target object. The impact generated by the tool's weight and momentum is capable of delivering a powerful blow, allowing for the successful completion of tasks requiring significant force. Despite its effectiveness, it is important for users to exercise caution and adhere to proper safety measures due to the potential for accidents and injury if mishandled.

    Overall, a sledgehammer is a robust and heavy-duty tool that provides substantial power and impact, making it ideal for heavy-duty labor or tasks requiring the application of sheer force.

Common Misspellings for SLEDGEHAMMER

Etymology of SLEDGEHAMMER

The word "sledgehammer" comes from the combination of two words:

1. "Sledge": It can be traced back to the Old English word "sleoðe", which means "a large, heavy hammer". The word "sleoðe" itself derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*slaudǭ", meaning "a sled" or "a drag". The connection between sleds and hammers is likely due to the fact that early hammers were fashioned similarly to sledges, with a long handle. Over time, the word "sledge" evolved to refer specifically to a heavy hammer.

2. "Hammer": This word has its origins in Old English as well, derived from the word "hamor". "Hamor" had roots in the Proto-Germanic word "*hamaraz", indicating "a tool with a stone head" or "a stone hammer".

Idioms with the word SLEDGEHAMMER

  • a sledgehammer to crack a nut The idiom "a sledgehammer to crack a nut" is used to describe a situation in which an excessive or disproportionate amount of force, effort, or resources is used to solve a relatively small or simple problem. It implies that the solution is far more complex, intense, or drastic than necessary, resembling the use of a heavy tool like a sledgehammer to crack open a small nut.
  • use a sledgehammer to crack a nut The idiom "use a sledgehammer to crack a nut" refers to employing an excessive or unnecessary amount of force or effort to solve a simple or minor problem. It implies that the approach taken is disproportionate to the magnitude or complexity of the task at hand, suggesting a lack of precision or subtlety.
  • take a sledgehammer to crack a nut The idiom "take a sledgehammer to crack a nut" refers to using excessive or unnecessary force to solve a relatively simple problem or to overreacting to a situation. It implies using much more effort, time, or resources than are required, which can often lead to unintended consequences or additional problems.

Plural form of SLEDGEHAMMER is SLEDGEHAMMERS

Conjugate verb Sledgehammer

CONDITIONAL

I would sledgehammer
you would sledgehammer
he/she/it would sledgehammer
we would sledgehammer
they would sledgehammer

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be sledgehammering
you would be sledgehammering
he/she/it would be sledgehammering
we would be sledgehammering
they would be sledgehammering

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have sledgehammer
you would have sledgehammer
he/she/it would have sledgehammer
we would have sledgehammer
they would have sledgehammer

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been sledgehammering
you would have been sledgehammering
he/she/it would have been sledgehammering
we would have been sledgehammering
they would have been sledgehammering

FUTURE

I will sledgehammer
you will sledgehammer
he/she/it will sledgehammer
we will sledgehammer
they will sledgehammer

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be sledgehammering
you will be sledgehammering
he/she/it will be sledgehammering
we will be sledgehammering
they will be sledgehammering

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have sledgehammered
you will have sledgehammered
he/she/it will have sledgehammered
we will have sledgehammered
they will have sledgehammered

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been sledgehammering
you will have been sledgehammering
he/she/it will have been sledgehammering
we will have been sledgehammering
they will have been sledgehammering

IMPERATIVE

you sledgehammer
we let´s sledgehammer

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to sledgehammer

PAST

I sledgehammered
you sledgehammered
he/she/it sledgehammered
we sledgehammered
they sledgehammered

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was sledgehammering
you were sledgehammering
he/she/it was sledgehammering
we were sledgehammering
they were sledgehammering

PAST PARTICIPLE

sledgehammered

PAST PERFECT

I had sledgehammered
you had sledgehammered
he/she/it had sledgehammered
we had sledgehammered
they had sledgehammered

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been sledgehammering
you had been sledgehammering
he/she/it had been sledgehammering
we had been sledgehammering
they had been sledgehammering

PRESENT

I sledgehammer
you sledgehammer
he/she/it sledgehammers
we sledgehammer
they sledgehammer

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am sledgehammering
you are sledgehammering
he/she/it is sledgehammering
we are sledgehammering
they are sledgehammering

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

sledgehammering

PRESENT PERFECT

I have sledgehammered
you have sledgehammered
he/she/it has sledgehammered
we have sledgehammered
they have sledgehammered

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been sledgehammering
you have been sledgehammering
he/she/it has been sledgehammering
we have been sledgehammering
they have been sledgehammering

Infographic

Correct spelling for sledgehammer
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