To boot

Idiomatic Phrase
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

An idiomatic phrase meaning "in addition" or "as well," used to add extra information or emphasis to a statement, often appearing at the end of sentences for rhetorical effect.

Detailed Definition
To boot means in addition, as an extra, or besides what has already been mentioned. In poetry, the idiom can add a colloquial flourish to lists, praise, complaint, or comic exaggeration. A speaker may be poor and proud to boot, beautiful and cruel to boot, or tired and hungry to boot. Its briskness makes it useful for dramatic voice, especially when piling up qualities or misfortunes. The phrase helps poets add emphasis while maintaining conversational rhythm and informality.
Example
Example in poetry:
A comic poem might give the hero a torn cloak, a blunt sword, and bad luck to boot; In a winter poem, the cottage is cold, dark, and lonely to boot; The phrase means in addition or as well; A poet can use it for cumulative emphasis.
Additional Notes
To boot means in addition, besides, or as an extra feature. It has an old-fashioned, idiomatic flavour and can give a sentence a lively closing twist. In poetry, it is useful for comic emphasis, cumulative description, or character voice. Students should note that it often adds a final flourish, as if the speaker remembers one more point. It pairs well with catalogues, boasts, complaints, and conversational verse.
Also Known As
in addition
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