How Do You Spell ASKAUNT?

Pronunciation: [ˈaskɔːnt] (IPA)

"Askaunt" is an archaic spelling of the word "askance," which means to look at something with suspicion or doubt. The IPA phonetic transcription of "As-kaunt" would be /əˈskænt/. This word is a combination of the prefix "a-" meaning "on" or "toward," and the Middle English word "skaunten," meaning to squint or look sideways. The spelling "askaunt" has fallen out of common use, being replaced by "askance," but it still appears in classical literature and historical texts.

Etymology of ASKAUNT

The word "askaunt" originated from Middle English and is derived from the Old French word "encontre", meaning "against" or "opposite". Over time, it evolved through variations such as "ascant" and "ascuant" before settling into its current form. The prefix "as-" in "askaunt" means "against" or "in the direction of", while the suffix "-kaunt" is related to "count", indicating a sense of measuring or reckoning. The word "askaunt" initially referred to an encounter or meeting, often used in a confrontational or hostile context. However, its usage has become archaic and is rarely encountered in modern English.