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fairyA small imaginary being of human form that has magical powers, especially a female one

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: A small imaginary being of human form that has magical powers, especially a female one

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈferi/

Example Sentences

  • My daughter believes that fairies live at the bottom of our garden and throw glitter parties every night.
  • The fairy granted three wishes, but apparently 'unlimited pizza' counted as all three.
  • Children often leave their teeth under the pillow for the tooth fairy.

fairy

NOUN

[/ˈferi/]

A small imaginary being of human form that has magical powers, especially a female one

The fairy waved her magic wand and helped the flowers bloom overnight.
💡 Concept

The fairy waved her magic wand and helped the flowers bloom overnight.

The fairy used magic to help every child receive a fair share. (FAIR + MAGIC → a fairy uses magic to make things fair and happy)
🧠 Mnemonic

The fairy used magic to help every child receive a fair share. (FAIR + MAGIC → a fairy uses magic to make things fair and happy)

The fairy picked a cherry and made everyone merry with her magic.
🎵 Rhyme

The fairy picked a cherry and made everyone merry with her magic.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈferi/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈfeəri/

🌳Etymology

Rootfair-
Suffix--y

Origin

The word derives from Middle French 'faerie', which itself comes from Latin 'fata' (the goddesses of fate). Originally referring to the realm of fairies or the magical world, the term gradually shifted in usage to denote the supernatural beings inhabiting that enchanted domain.

Breakdown

Latin 'fata' (fate goddesses) → Middle French 'faerie' (fairy realm/magical world) → English 'fairy' (supernatural being). The suffix '-y' transforms the abstract notion of a magical realm into the concrete entity of a fairy creature.

🎵Rhyme

merryberrycherrycarry
merry
berry
cherry
carry

🔗Collocations

tooth fairy
fairy tale
fairy godmother
garden fairy
fairy dust
fairy wings
fairy magic

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My daughter believes that fairies live at the bottom of our garden and throw glitter parties every night.

😄 Fun example

The fairy granted three wishes, but apparently 'unlimited pizza' counted as all three.

Children often leave their teeth under the pillow for the tooth fairy.

The fairy tale had a happy ending with the fairy helping the princess.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

spritepixieelfnymphimp

Antonyms

demonmonsterogre

Related

magicfantasyenchantmentfolkloremythology

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