English Lexicon

Bite

/baɪt/
verbnounCEFR A2 (Elementary)Top #2100 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    An act of biting or the amount taken in one bite.

    "She took a big bite of the apple."
As verb
  1. 1

    To use the teeth to cut into something.

    "He will bite into the sandwich."

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Synonyms (3)
Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Old English verb 'bītan', of Proto-Germanic origin, meaning to cut or pierce with the teeth. It shares roots with Old High German 'bīzan' and Old Norse 'bīta', evolving over centuries to encompass both literal piercing actions and metaphorical meanings such as the sting of an insect or a small portion of food.

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