How Do You Spell BASKERVILLIAN?

Pronunciation: [bˌaskəvˈɪli͡ən] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Baskervillian" can be a little tricky. The correct way to pronounce it is [baskərˈvɪliən]. This means that there are two ‘i’ sounds in the word, not just one as we might expect. Additionally, the combination of ‘v’ and ‘i’ can be difficult to remember as the two letters don’t typically appear next to each other in English words. Despite these challenges, with practice and an understanding of IPA phonetic transcription, the spelling of "Baskervillian" can become second nature.

BASKERVILLIAN Meaning and Definition

  1. Baskervillian is an adjective that refers to anything or anyone related to the infamous Baskerville family or their estate in Arthur Conan Doyle's detective novel "The Hound of the Baskervilles." Specifically, the term is associated with the eerie and mysterious atmosphere that surrounds the Baskerville Hall and its environs on the Dartmoor moorland in England.

    The Baskervillians are known for their long and dark lineage, plagued by legends and tales of a supernatural, monstrous hound that haunts the family estate. As a result, the term Baskervillian often conveys an air of sinister, menacing, or foreboding qualities, often associated with the mysteries and terrors that unfold within the narrative of the book.

    Furthermore, Baskervillian can also be used to describe characteristics or traits that are reflective of the Baskerville family. It might imply an inherent connection to the legend of the hound, or a predisposition towards the family's troubled history and the tragic events that have transpired over the years.

    In broader contexts, Baskervillian may be used figuratively to describe any situation, person, or setting that evokes a sense of darkness, suspense, or intrigue similar to that depicted in "The Hound of the Baskervilles." It has become a shorthand term to capture the essence of the eerie and haunting atmosphere synonymous with the tale of the Baskervilles.

Etymology of BASKERVILLIAN

The term "Baskervillian" is derived from the name "Baskerville", which itself originates from a place name in England. "Baskerville" is believed to have originated from the Old English words "baesc", meaning "bush" or "shrub", and "feld", meaning "field". Therefore, the etymology of "Baskervillian" is directly connected to the name "Baskerville", which is associated with the fictional character Sherlock Holmes and his famous detective novel "The Hound of the Baskervilles" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.