How Do You Spell FIRST WATER?

Pronunciation: [fˈɜːst wˈɔːtə] (IPA)

The phrase "first water" means the highest quality possible. So what's the spelling of this phrase? In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be /fɜrst ˈwɔtər/. This means the "first" is pronounced with the same vowel sound as "hurt" or "fern," and the "water" is pronounced with the same vowel sound as in "thought" or "ought." It's important to get the pronunciation of this phrase right, especially if you want to impress others with your vocabulary!

FIRST WATER Meaning and Definition

  1. First water is a idiomatic expression that refers to something or someone of exceptional quality or superiority. The phrase is derived from the jewelry industry, particularly the trade of diamonds. Diamonds are graded and categorized based on their clarity, color, and cut. The term "first water" specifically pertains to the clarity of a diamond, with the usage of water in the expression emphasizing the clear and transparent nature of the gemstone.

    Metaphorically, when someone or something is described as "first water," it denotes that they possess the highest level of excellence or quality in their particular field or category. It suggests that they are unparalleled in their skills, knowledge, or performance, elevating them to a level above their contemporaries. The term is commonly used to describe individuals who are considered the very best in their profession, or to highlight the exceptional attributes of a particular object or concept.

    Often used in colloquial English, the phrase "first water" serves as a powerful descriptor, portraying the utmost level of distinction and superiority. It conveys the idea that the person or thing being described stands out due to their exceptional characteristics, making them truly remarkable and unique.

Common Misspellings for FIRST WATER

  • dirst water
  • cirst water
  • virst water
  • girst water
  • tirst water
  • rirst water
  • furst water
  • fjrst water
  • fkrst water
  • forst water
  • f9rst water
  • f8rst water
  • fiest water
  • fidst water
  • fifst water
  • fitst water
  • fi5st water
  • fi4st water
  • firat water

Etymology of FIRST WATER

The term "first water" has its origins in the diamond industry. It comes from the practice of grading diamonds based on their quality and clarity. In this context, the word "water" is a traditional term used to describe the appearance of a diamond. When a diamond is said to have "first water", it means that it possesses exceptional clarity and brilliance, resembling the purest and clearest water. This terminology possibly emerged from the fact that historically diamonds were often compared to water due to their transparent and sparkling nature. Over time, "first water" has also been used metaphorically to signify excellence or the highest quality in various other domains beyond diamonds.

Idioms with the word FIRST WATER

  • of the first water The idiom "of the first water" is used to describe something or someone that is of the highest quality or excellence. It implies that the subject being described is the best in its category, comparable to a flawless gemstone of the highest grade.

Similar spelling words for FIRST WATER

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: