Sip: Definition, Usage & Examples Explained

Meaning 1：drink slowly in small sips (sip)

sip 🔊

/sɪp/

to drink something slowly by taking very small mouthfuls.

Illustration of a person taking a gentle sip from a warm mug in a cozy kitchen

drink slowly in small sips 🔊

➕

/drɪŋk ˈsloʊli ɪn smɔːl sɪps/

To consume a liquid gradually by taking very small amounts at a time, often to savor the taste or avoid discomfort.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Middle English 'sippen', likely imitative of the sound of drinking.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'sip' sounds like a small, soft drink – it rhymes with 'tip', as in tipping a cup gently.

📖 Example

She sipped her hot tea carefully to avoid burning her tongue. 🔊 She consumed her hot tea with slow, small sips to prevent burning her tongue.

🔗 Collocations

sip on – to drink slowly from something continuously

take a sip – to drink a small amount of liquid

sip at – to drink in small amounts from a container

🔄 Synonyms

drink (v.) – to consume liquid

nurse (v.) – to drink slowly over a period of time

savor (v.) – to enjoy something slowly, especially a drink

🚫 Antonyms

gulp (v.) – to drink quickly in large mouthfuls

chug (v.) – to drink something rapidly in one go

🌱 Derivatives

sip (n.) – a small amount of liquid taken into the mouth

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'sip' originates from Middle English, mimicking the sound of gentle drinking. In modern English culture, it is commonly used in contexts like enjoying hot beverages such as tea or coffee, emphasizing a slow, careful consumption.