gift
gift (gift)
noun
- something given to show friendship, affection, support, etc.; present
- the act, power, or right of giving
- a natural ability; talent a gift for languages
Etymology: ME < OE, portion, wedding gift (< giefan: see give) & ON gift, gift (< gefa, akin to give), akin to Ger gift, poison
transitive verb
- to present a gift to
- to present as a gift
look a gift horse in the mouth
to be critical of a gift or favor: from the practice of judging a horse's age by its teeth
gift
n.
Something given
present, donation, presentation, gratuity, benefaction, largesse, grant, tip, boon, alms, endowment, bequest, bounty, charity, provision, favor, lagniappe, legacy, bestowal, award, reward, dispensation, philanthropy, offering, souvenir, keepsake, premium, token, pittance, remembrance, courtesy, bonus, subsidy, tribute, honorarium, subvention, contribution, subscription, donative, dole, relief, ration, benefit, offertory, Peter's pence, Trinkgeld (German), pourboire (French), baksheesh, allowance, handsel, remittance, giveaway, handout*, hand-me-down*, freebie*. An aptitude
faculty, capacity, capability; see ability 1, 2.
gift and present both refer to something given as an expression of friendship, affection, esteem, etc., but gift, in current use, more often suggests formal bestowal Christmas presents, the painting was a gift to the museum; donation applies to a gift of money, etc. for a philanthropic, charitable, or religious purpose, esp. as solicited in a public drive for funds a donation to the orchestra fund; gratuity applies to a gift of money for services rendered, such as a tip to a waiter
look a gift horse in the mouth*
n
v
- Property given as a present.
- The action of making a present of property.
class gift
gift causa mortis. (Latin.)
gift over
inter vivos gift
testamentary gift
Preposition: of
- gab: He has that special gift of the gab, having had special attention from the Blarney Stone.
- prophesy: There are gifts of prophesy, but they will be ended.
Converse of object
- personalize: Our luxurious range of traditional baby gift baskets & personalized gifts will bring a smile to any child's face.
Adjective modifier
- perfect: We are sure to have the perfect gift for the new little person or new mom.
- spiritual: Godly love is the highest of the spiritual gifts.
- unusual: GIFT IDEAS - Find Me a Gift offers great selection of unusual gifts for children.
- personalized: You can even get personalized retirement gifts for him or her.
- generous: Your generous gift will help us fulfill the needs of Darfur's most vulnerable residents.
Modifies a noun
- voucher: Can I purchase Argos gift vouchers or gift cards online?
- basket: Gift Baskets - Create Simple Easy Gifts For the Person Who Has Everything!
- wrapping: This practice still survives in the design of some gift wrappings in Japan today.
- shop: One of the highlights of a visit is to browse through the gift shop with its enticing range of high quality gifts.
- idea: Framed shares are a unique gift idea suitable for all the family.
- wrap: Now you can design your own spectacular gift wrap and decorations using all natural beautiful materials.
Noun used with modifier
- christening: Our silver baby christening gifts include everything for the very modern baby.
- birthday: Are you looking for a company that can supply unique unusual birthday gifts?
- christmas: Win many kudos and buy your christmas gifts and presents here!
- baby: Our silver baby christening gifts include everything for the very modern baby.
- wedding: Guests decked in their Sunday best walk the red carpet with wedding gifts in tow.
- anniversary: Wouldn't it be great to find an anniversary gift that can include all of these attributes?
Beauty is the lover's gift.
Browse dictionary entries near gift
- gift certificate
- gift of tongues
- gift splitting
- gift tax
- gift-wrap
- gifted
- giftware
- Gifu
- gig
- giga-
