How Do You Spell HEM?

Pronunciation: [hˈɛm] (IPA)

The word "hem" is spelled with three letters and is used to refer to the edge of a piece of cloth that has been turned under and stitched. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word can be transcribed as /hɛm/. The symbol "h" represents the voiceless glottal fricative sound at the beginning of the word, while "ɛ" stands for the open-mid front unrounded vowel sound in the middle. Finally, the "m" symbol indicates the voiced bilabial nasal sound at the end of the word.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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HEM Meaning and Definition

  1. Hem is a noun or verb that refers to the action or object of enclosing or securing the edge of fabric, typically with a narrow folded or stitched border. As a noun, hem specifically refers to the finished edge of a garment or piece of fabric, where the raw edge has been folded under and stitched or surged to prevent fraying. This folded and stitched border usually creates a neat and visually appealing finish. Hems can be found on various types of clothing, like skirts, pants, dresses, or sleeves, as well as on linens or curtains.

    As a verb, hem means to sew or fold the edge of fabric in order to create a hem. This process might involve folding the edge under and stitching it using a sewing machine or by hand, or it can also involve using specialized hemming tapes or adhesives. Hemming is an essential step in the garment-making process, as it not only offers a polished appearance but also helps to prolong the life of the fabric by preventing unraveling.

    Additionally, the term "hem" can also be used metaphorically to describe surrounding or enclosing something closely, as in "a city hemmed in by mountains" or "a field hemmed by fences." In these cases, it signifies a limitation or confinement of space or movement.

  2. • The edge or border of a garment doubled down and sewed.
    • To fold down and sew the edge of cloth.
    • To confine; to enclose; to surround.
    • A sort of half-voluntary cough as a preparation for speaking, or as a call to a person at a little distance.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for HEM *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for HEM

Etymology of HEM

The word "hem" evolved from the Middle English "heme", which is derived from the Old English "hemn". It is related to the Old High German "hemma" and the Middle Dutch "hemme", all of which mean "border" or "edge". The word "hem" was first recorded in English around the 14th century and originally referred to the edge or border of cloth that is turned and sewn to prevent unraveling. Over time, it came to be used as a verb to describe the act of sewing such an edge.

Idioms with the word HEM

  • hem sm or sth in The idiom "hem someone or something in" means to surround or enclose someone or something with barriers, making it difficult for them to move or escape. It can also imply restricting someone's freedom or preventing them from making progress or achieving their goals.
  • hem in The idiom "hem in" means to surround or confine someone or something, often limiting their freedom or options for movement.
  • hem someone or something in The idiom "hem someone or something in" means to surround, restrict, or confine someone or something, making it difficult for them to move or escape. It implies creating a barrier or enclosure that limits one's freedom or options.
  • hem and haw (around) The idiom "hem and haw (around)" means to hesitate, equivocate, or speak in a hesitant or evasive manner. It refers to the act of avoiding making a definite decision or providing a direct answer, often due to uncertainty or indecisiveness.
  • hem and haw, at hum and haw The idiom "hem and haw," also known as "hum and haw," refers to the behavior of hesitating, stalling, or being indecisive when asked to make a decision or give a response. It is often used to describe someone who is unsure or reluctant to provide a direct answer or take a definitive action.
  • hem in sb/sth The idiom "hem in someone/something" means to surround, confine, or restrict someone or something within a limited space or boundary. It implies limiting their freedom of movement or action and making it challenging for them to escape or expand beyond the enclosed area.
  • hem and haw The idiom "hem and haw" means to hesitate, speak evasively, or be indecisive. It refers to the act of making uncertain or hesitant sounds like "hem" and "haw" while trying to formulate a response or reach a decision.

Similar spelling words for HEM

Plural form of HEM is HEMS

Conjugate verb Hem

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have hemmed
you would have hemmed
he/she/it would have hemmed
we would have hemmed
they would have hemmed
I would have hem
you would have hem
he/she/it would have hem
we would have hem
they would have hem

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been hemming
you would have been hemming
he/she/it would have been hemming
we would have been hemming
they would have been hemming

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would hem
you would hem
he/she/it would hem
we would hem
they would hem

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be hemming
you would be hemming
he/she/it would be hemming
we would be hemming
they would be hemming

FUTURE

I will hem
you will hem
he/she/it will hem
we will hem
they will hem

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be hemming
you will be hemming
he/she/it will be hemming
we will be hemming
they will be hemming

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have hemmed
you will have hemmed
he/she/it will have hemmed
we will have hemmed
they will have hemmed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been hemming
you will have been hemming
he/she/it will have been hemming
we will have been hemming
they will have been hemming

IMPERATIVE

you hem
we let´s hem

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to hem

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was hemming
you were hemming
he/she/it was hemming
we were hemming
they were hemming

PAST PARTICIPLE

hemmed

PAST PERFECT

I had hemmed
you had hemmed
he/she/it had hemmed
we had hemmed
they had hemmed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been hemming
you had been hemming
he/she/it had been hemming
we had been hemming
they had been hemming

PRESENT

I hem
you hem
he/she/it hems
we hem
they hem

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am hemming
you are hemming
he/she/it is hemming
we are hemming
they are hemming

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

hemming

PRESENT PERFECT

I have hemmed
you have hemmed
he/she/it has hemmed
we have hemmed
they have hemmed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been hemming
you have been hemming
he/she/it has been hemming
we have been hemming
they have been hemming

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it hem

SIMPLE PAST

I hemmed
you hemmed
he/she/it hemmed
we hemmed
they hemmed

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Correct spelling for hem
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