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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 © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:
gift Synonyms

gift

n.

  1. 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*. *

  2. 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*

carp, criticize, be ungrateful; see censure. See syn. study at talent.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

gift Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • gab: He has that special gift of the gab, having had special attention from the Blarney Stone.

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.

Modifies a noun

  • voucher: Can I purchase Argos gift vouchers or gift cards online?

Noun used with modifier

  • christening: Our silver baby christening gifts include everything for the very modern baby.
gift usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

gift quotes

Beauty is the lover's gift.

-Congreve,William

gift quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"gift." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/gift>

APA Style

gift. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/gift

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