arrow
arrow
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "arrow" is: /ˈæɹoʊ/
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
First syllable (ˈæɹ):
/æ/: A short vowel sound, similar to the "a" in "cat"
/ɹ/: A voiced alveolar approximant, the "r" sound
Second syllable (oʊ):
/oʊ/: A diphthong, a vowel sound that glides from /o/ to /ʊ/, similar to the "o" in "boat"
Word Form Variations
The word "arrow" only has one plural form:
Singular: arrow
Plural: arrows
FIND YOURSELF AT SEA.
Register Now.
FIND YOURSELF AT SEA. Register Now.
Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun
Definition: A slender, pointed projectile, often made of wood or metal, designed to be shot from a bow.
Synonyms: dart, missile, shaft
Antonyms: target, bullseye
Verb
Definition: To point or indicate something.
Synonyms: point, direct, indicate
Antonyms: obscure, conceal, hide
Adjective
Definition: Shaped like an arrow.
Synonyms: pointed, sharp, keen
Antonyms: blunt, dull, rounded
Examples of Use
Literal Use
Literature: "The arrow pierced the dragon's heart." (From a fantasy novel, such as "The Lord of the Rings")
History: "The Mongol archers unleashed a barrage of arrows." (From a history book about the Mongol Empire)
Sports: "The archer released the arrow, aiming for the bullseye." (From a sports article about archery)
Figurative Use
Metaphor: "The words were like arrows, piercing his heart." (From a poem or song)
Direction: "The arrow on the map pointed north." (From a travel guidebook)
Computer Science: "The function returns an arrow indicating success or failure." (From a programming tutorial)
In Media and Popular Culture
Video Games: "The archer fired a flaming arrow at the dragon." (From a video game like "The Legend of Zelda")
Movies: "The hero dodged the arrow aimed at his heart." (From an action movie like "The Hunger Games")
Television: "The detective followed the trail of clues, like an arrow pointing to the culprit." (From a detective show like "Sherlock Holmes")
General Public Discourse
News Articles: "The stock market took a sharp downturn, sending the Dow Jones plummeting like an arrow."
Everyday Conversation: "I'll give you a hint, it's an arrow pointing to the answer."
Social Media: "This tweet is right on point! It's like an arrow straight to the heart of the issue."
FIND YOURSELF AT SEA.
Register Now.
FIND YOURSELF AT SEA. Register Now.
10 Famous Quotes Using the term Arrow
"An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. So when life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it's going to launch you into something great." — Anonymous
"Words are like arrows—once loosed, they cannot be recalled." — Anonymous
"The bow cannot always stand bent, nor can human frailty subsist without some lawful recreation." — Miguel de Cervantes (implied with arrow)
"Love is the bow, marriage is the quiver, and children are the arrows." — Anonymous
"Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana." — Groucho Marx
"The arrow that hits the bullseye is the result of 1000 missed shots." — Anonymous
"He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying." — Friedrich Nietzsche (the metaphor of arrow aims toward growth)
"The arrow sees only the target." — Paulo Coelho
"Truth is an arrow, and the gate of knowledge is not closed." — Chinese Proverb
"May your aim be true, your arrows swift, and your spirit unbroken." — Anonymous
Etymology
The word "arrow" has a long history. It comes from the Old English word "earh," which dates back to the period before 1150. This word is related to other Germanic languages, like Old Norse and Gothic, and ultimately comes from an even older language called Proto-Indo-European.
In the early days, "arrow" simply meant the pointed projectile shot from a bow. It was a tool used for hunting and warfare. Over time, the word has taken on other meanings, like the symbol used to indicate direction or the shape of something.
FIND YOURSELF AT SEA.
Register Now.
FIND YOURSELF AT SEA. Register Now.
Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Arrow
While "arrow" doesn't feature in many common idioms, its symbolic nature lends itself to various figurative expressions:
Straight as an arrow: This idiom means someone is honest, direct, and truthful.
Cupid's arrow: This refers to the arrow of love, symbolizing romantic attraction.
To shoot an arrow into the air: This means to take a risk or make a statement without knowing the outcome.
To hit the mark/bullseye: This means to achieve a goal or be accurate.
To have an arrow in your quiver: This means to have a plan or resource to use in a specific situation.
Additionally, due to its association with direction and progression, "arrow" can be used in original phrases like:
"The arrow of time marches on."
"His career was on the up arrow."
These phrases utilize the metaphorical sense of an arrow pointing forward, symbolizing progress and the passage of time.
Posts Related to Arrow
Source Information
Definition of arrow from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
