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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Knife Definition, Types & Usage Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：cutting tool (knife)

knife 🔊

/naɪf/

a tool with a sharp blade for cutting food or other things.

cutting tool 🔊

➕

/ˈkʌtɪŋ tuːl/

A knife is a tool consisting of a handle and a sharp metal blade, used for cutting food or other materials.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English cnif, related to Old Norse knífr; a sharp-edged tool.

💡 Mnemonic

K-N-I-F-E: 'Knight's Nifty Instrument For Eating' — the silent 'k' is tricky!

📖 Example

She picked up a knife to chop the tomatoes for the salad. 🔊 She picked up a knife to chop the tomatoes for the salad.

🔗 Collocations

kitchen knife – a knife used for cooking and food preparation

pocket knife – a small folding knife that can be carried in a pocket

sharpen a knife – to make the blade of a knife sharp again

🔄 Synonyms

blade (n.) – the flat, sharp part of a knife; often used to refer to the whole knife

cutter (n.) – a tool or device used for cutting

scalpel (n.) – a small, sharp knife used by surgeons in operations

🌱 Derivatives

knifing (n.) – the act of stabbing someone with a knife

knifelike (adj.) – resembling or characteristic of a knife

knife-edge (n.) – the sharp edge of a knife; also used figuratively for a critical situation

📖 Cultural Story

Knife derives from Proto-Germanic *knībaz. It evolved from stone blades to metal, appearing in every culture. Modern idioms like 'under the knife' (surgery) highlight its cultural impact.

Meaning 2：fighting knife (knife)

knife 🔊

/naɪf/

a blade that can be used as a weapon to hurt someone.

fighting knife 🔊

➕

/ˈfaɪtɪŋ naɪf/

A knife used as a weapon is typically designed for stabbing or slashing, with a sharp point and edge.

📁 Category：Warfare & Battle 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The museum displayed a collection of historical knives once used by soldiers. 🔊 The museum displayed a collection of historical knives once used by soldiers.

🔗 Collocations

combat knife – a knife designed for military or combat use

switchblade knife – a knife with a spring-loaded blade that opens automatically

knife fight – a physical confrontation using knives

🔄 Synonyms

dagger (n.) – a short, pointed knife used as a weapon for stabbing

blade (n.) – the cutting part of a knife; often used to refer to the whole knife as a weapon

shiv (n.) – an improvised or crude knife used as a weapon, especially in prison

🌱 Derivatives

knife-throwing (n.) – the sport or act of throwing knives at a target

knifepoint (n.) – the point of a knife; often used in the phrase 'at knifepoint' meaning under threat