Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

for the nonce

/nɑn(t)s/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.44 in modern English

Syllables: for the nonce
IPA: /nɑn(t)s/

19

Scrabble Score

11

Letters

1

Syllables

8

Unique Chars

Meaning

prep_phrase

For the time being, for now, with the expectation that the situation may change.

Example Sentences

"That will do for the nonce, but we'll need a better answer for the long term."
"'Idiot!' exclaimed the doctor, who for the nonce was not capable of more than such spasmodic attempts at utterance."
"For the nonce he was rather nonplussed but inasmuch as the duty plainly devolved upon him to take some measures on the subject he pondered suitable ways and means during which Stephen repeatedly yawned."
"'We part, then, for the nonce, do we?' 'I fear so, sir.' 'You take the high road, and self taking the low road, as it were?' 'Yes, sir.' 'I shall miss you, Jeeves.' 'Thank you, sir.'"

Etymology

From Middle English for þe nones, for þe nanes, a rebracketing of earlier for þen ānes (literally “for the once”).

Origin

Source language: Middle English

Word Breakdown

Root: for þe nones

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /nɑn(t)s/
British English: /nɒn(t)s/

Questions

How do you pronounce for the nonce?: The recorded pronunciation is /nɑn(t)s/.
What does for the nonce mean?: For the time being, for now, with the expectation that the situation may change.
Where does for the nonce come from?: It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce for the nonce

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “for the nonce”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/nɑn(t)s/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
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