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gift definition

gift (gift)

noun

  1. something given to show friendship, affection, support, etc.; present
  2. the act, power, or right of giving
  3. 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

  1. to present a gift to
  2. to present as a gift
gift Idioms

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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Related Discussions (4)
TopicRepliesLatest Post
Word to describe gift certificates, cash cards, etc.101 month ago
Free Gift58 months ago
I thought the origins of the word gift and charisma were the same. Am I wrong?81 year ago
Don't Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth214 years ago

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