coffers
coffers
Pronunciation
Here is the IPA phonetic spelling for "coffers" broken down by syllable:
cof·fers (ˈkɒfəz) / (ˈkɔfɚz) (US with cot-caught merger)
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
cof (kɒf) / (kɔf)
k - voiceless velar plosive
ɒ - (British) open back rounded vowel (like "ought" in "caught") / ɔ (American with cot-caught merger) - open-mid back rounded vowel (like "awe")
f - voiceless labiodental fricative
ers (əz)
ə - schwa, a mid central vowel sound
z - voiced alveolar fricative
Word Form Variations
The word "coffer" has the following word form variations:
Singular: coffer
Plural: coffers (most common)
Note: "Coffer" can also be a verb, but it's less common. The verb form would be "coffer" (present tense) and "coffered" (past tense and past participle). In this context, it refers to storing something in a coffer or decorating a ceiling with sunken panels.
Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun:
A strongbox or chest for storing valuables:
Synonyms: strongbox, chest, casket, money chest, treasure chest, lockbox
Antonyms: (for something used to store valuables) open container, display case
(Figurative) The treasury or funds of a government, organization, or individual:
Synonyms: treasury, exchequer, funds, reserves, capital, wealth
Antonyms: deficit, debt, shortage
Verb (Less Common):
To store or hoard something in a coffer: (This usage is less frequent than the noun form)
Synonyms: stash, hoard, put away, secure
Note: There are no common adjective or adverb forms for "coffer."
Examples of Use
Noun:
Historical: "The pirates pried open the oaken coffer, hoping to find a treasure trove of gold and jewels." (Historical fiction novel)
Figurative (Financial): "The government enacted austerity measures in an attempt to replenish its depleted coffers." (Newspaper article)
Figurative (General): "She poured her heart out to him, revealing the deepest secrets locked away in the coffer of her memory." (Romance novel)
Verb (Less Common):
(Rare) "The king meticulously coffered his vast collection of rare coins." (Museum exhibit description)
Entertainment:
Video Game: In the game "Uncharted 4: A Thief's End," the protagonist searches for a hidden pirate treasure chest referred to as a "coffer."
Public Discourse:
News Headline: "Rising gas prices drain household coffers" (News website headline)
Note: While the verb form "coffer" exists, it's much less common than the noun form.
10 Famous Quotes Using the term Coffers
Unfortunately, due to the relative uncommonness of "coffer" outside of historical contexts, there aren't many famous quotes that specifically use the word. Here are some alternatives that capture the essence of the word "coffer" (treasury, valuables, etc.):
"A penny saved is a penny earned." - Benjamin Franklin (Talks about accumulating wealth)
"Beware of small expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship." - Benjamin Franklin (Similar concept to depleted coffers)
"The only true wealth is time." - John Ruskin (Highlights something valuable beyond money)
"Knowledge is power." - Francis Bacon (Knowledge as a valuable asset)
"Time is money." - Benjamin Franklin (Value of time as a resource)
"The best things in life are free." - (Unknown origin) (Valuable things don't always have a monetary cost)
"He that loses his wealth loses much; he that loses his friend loses more; but he that loses his courage loses all." - Miguel de Cervantes (Highlights different kinds of value)
"Health is the greatest wealth." - Hippocrates (Value of health)
"A fool and his money are soon parted." - (English Proverb) (Losing valuable resources).
"There is no wealth like peace." - (Unknown origin) (Peace as a valuable asset)
Etymology
The word "coffer" is like a treasure chest filled with history! Here's the story in simple terms:
The word "coffer" originally comes from an ancient Greek word, "kophinos," which simply meant "basket."
Over time, the word traveled to Latin as "cophinus," still meaning a basket.
Then, around the 12th century, French borrowed the word as "cofre," and it started to specifically refer to a chest or box used for storing valuables.
English borrowed the word from French in the 1300s, keeping the meaning of a strongbox for precious things.
So, even though "coffer" sounds fancy, it started out as a humble basket and eventually became a way to talk about holding onto your treasures!
Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Coffers
The beauty of "coffer" lies in its figurative use, turning a simple chest into a symbol of wealth. Here are some phrases and idioms using "coffer":
To fill the coffers: This means to raise money or increase financial resources. (e.g., "The charity fundraiser aimed to fill the coffers to support local families.")
To drain the coffers: This signifies spending a lot of money, depleting financial resources. (e.g., "The war effort drained the nation's coffers.")
To tap into the coffers: This refers to accessing or using money from a specific source. (e.g., "The company had to tap into its coffers to invest in new technology.")
A bottomless coffer: This is a metaphorical term for a seemingly endless source of wealth. (e.g., "The tech giant seemed to have a bottomless coffer for funding risky ventures.")
Jewels in the coffer: This phrase goes beyond money, signifying valuable things like knowledge, skills, or experiences. (e.g., "Her years of training were jewels in her coffer, preparing her for the challenging role.")
Bonus:
Coffered ceiling: This refers to a type of ceiling with sunken panels, resembling a row of coffers. While not an idiom, it's another interesting way the word "coffer" is used.
Posts Related to Coffers
Source Information
Definition of coffers from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.