Reading Theme:
Spit: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：expel from mouth (spit)
spit
/spɪt/
v./n.
To force something like liquid or food out of your mouth quickly.
expel from mouth
➕
/ɪkˈspɛl frɒm maʊθ/
v./n.
To forcefully eject something, such as liquid or food, from the mouth.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'spittan', related to German 'spucken', meaning to eject from the mouth.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'spit' as the sound made when forcefully ejecting something from the mouth.
📖 Example
After rinsing his mouth with water, he spit it out into the sink.
This sentence describes the action of spitting out water after mouth rinsing.
🔗 Collocations
spit out – to eject something from the mouth
spit on – to eject saliva onto something
spit up – to vomit or regurgitate, especially in infants
🔄 Synonyms
expectorate (v.) – to discharge phlegm or other matter from the throat or lungs by coughing or spitting
spew (v.) – to eject or emit in a stream or flood
eject (v.) – to force or throw out violently or suddenly
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Old English 'spittan', with Germanic roots. Commonly used in hygiene contexts or expressions like 'spit and polish' for meticulous cleaning.
Meaning 2：saliva (spit)
spit
/spɪt/
v./n.
The liquid that forms naturally in your mouth; saliva.
saliva
➕
/səˈlaɪvə/
v./n.
The watery liquid produced in the mouth; also known as spit.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
He wiped the spit from the corner of his mouth with a tissue after brushing his teeth.
This example shows wiping away saliva from the mouth after brushing teeth.
🔗 Collocations
dry spit – a lack of saliva, often due to nervousness or dehydration
spit bubble – a bubble made from saliva, often by children
spit sample – a sample of saliva used for medical testing
🔄 Synonyms
🌱 Derivatives
spitty (adj.) – covered with or resembling spit
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