Gift Meaning and Definition
Gift
Pronunciation
/ɡift/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A gift is an act of giving someone something, either material or intangible, as a symbol of love, appreciation, or loyalty.
Examples
1. “She gave her child a gift of a new bicycle for their birthday.”
2. “The couple exchanged gifts on their anniversary, showing their love and commitment to each other.”
Synonyms
1. Present
2. Donation
Antonyms
1. Gift-wrapping implies a level of care and thought, which is the opposite of when someone gives a thoughtless or unwrapped item to someone else.
2. Payment
Etymology
The word ‘gift’ comes from the Old English word ‘gifan’, which means ‘to give’. The term has been used in the English language since the 13th century and has undergone significant evolution in its meaning and usage over the centuries.
Usage Notes
The word ‘gift’ is often used in contexts where an item is given without an expectation of payment or return.
It is common to use ‘gift’ in phrases such as ‘gift of money’, ‘gift of time’, or ‘gift of love’, emphasizing the act of giving rather than the item itself.
When referring to an item that is purchased with the intention of giving it to someone else, it is more common to use the term ‘present’, especially if it is wrapped or comes with a card.
Additional Information
Gift-giving is a universal custom observed across cultures and civilizations, representing an expression of respect, gratitude, or affection.
The act of giving a gift often triggers a psychological response, releasing endorphins and creating a sense of happiness and satisfaction for both the giver and the receiver.
The value of a gift lies not in its monetary worth but in the thought and effort invested in selecting it and presenting it to the recipient.
Gifts can take many forms, including personalized items, experiences, acts of service, or symbolic gestures, showcasing the creativity and resourcefulness of the giver.
The tradition of gift-giving is closely tied to holidays, birthdays, and other celebrations, but it is also observed in everyday life, making it a fundamental aspect of human relationships.
While gifts are often associated with material possessions, the true essence of gift-giving lies in the emotional connection and connection that is established between individuals.
Cultural References
The word ‘gift’ and the act of gift-giving have been immortalized in numerous literary works, including Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ and Jane Austen’s ‘Sense and Sensibility’, where gifts are used as symbols of love, affection, and generosity.
In modern pop culture, gift-giving has been depicted in films, television shows, and advertisements, highlighting its importance in human relationships and its ability to evoke emotions and create lasting memories.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
The phrase ‘gift of gab’ refers to someone’s ability to talk fluently and persuasively, often as a means of getting their way.
The phrase ‘gift horse’ warns against looking a gift horse in the mouth, implying that one should be grateful for what they have rather than focusing on minor flaws.
The phrase ‘gift of nature’ describes someone’s innate talent or ability, implying that it is a natural and inherent aspect of their personality or character.
Collocations
Some common collocations with the word ‘gift’ include:
gift of money
gift of time
gift of love
gift of life
Frequency of Use
The word ‘gift’ is a common term in modern language, used in various contexts, including personal relationships, business, and cultural celebrations.
According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the word ‘gift’ appears in approximately 1.4% of all written texts, indicating its widespread usage and importance in everyday communication.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the word ‘gift’ include:
gifts (missing the ‘t’)
gifting (missing the ‘t’)
giff (inaccurate pronunciation or phonetic spelling)