What is knife? Pronunciation and usage in English

knife means . Learn how to pronounce and use knife through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of knife

knifenoun

/nʌɪf/
Definition & pronunciation of knife

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "knife" in English. It's a tricky one for some! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and widely accepted pronunciation is:

  • /naɪf/ (rhymes with "wife")

Here's how to break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. "na": This sounds like the "na" in "nap" or "banana." It's a short, open "a" sound.

  2. "i": This is a long "ee" sound, like in "see" or "meet."

  3. "f": The "f" sound remains the same – it's a voiceless "f."

Important Notes and Variations:

  • Regional Differences: You might hear a slightly different pronunciation in some areas, particularly in the UK. Sometimes a "v" sound is used instead of an "f" - /vɪf/. This is less common in American English.

  • Emphasis: The emphasis is generally on the second syllable ("i").

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

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  • Where are you from? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.) – This can sometimes help me account for regional variations.

Usage and examples with the word knife in English

Let's break down how to use the word "knife" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a lot of different meanings and usages!

1. Basic Definition: A Sharp Tool

  • Core Meaning: A knife is a bladed tool with a sharp edge, typically used for cutting. This is its most fundamental definition.
  • Examples:
    • "He used a knife to cut the bread."
    • "She sharpened her knife before cooking dinner."
    • "A chef needs a good set of knives."

2. Types of Knives

There are many different kinds of knives, each designed for a specific purpose:

  • Chef's Knife: The all-purpose knife for chopping, slicing, and dicing vegetables and meats.
  • Paring Knife: A small knife for detailed work, like peeling fruits and vegetables.
  • Bread Knife: With a serrated blade for slicing bread without crushing it.
  • Butcher Knife: A large, heavy knife for cutting meat.
  • Utility Knife: A smaller, versatile knife used for various tasks.
  • Hunting Knife: Used for skinning animals and other hunting activities.
  • Pocket Knife/Swiss Army Knife: A small knife carried in a pocket, containing various tools.
  • Letter Opener: Specifically designed for opening envelopes.

3. Figurative Meanings (This is where it gets interesting!)

"Knife" can be used metaphorically to describe:

  • Betrayal/Disloyalty: This is a very common figurative usage.

    • "He stabbed me in the back!" (He betrayed me.)
    • "She was a knife to his heart." (She was cruel and hurtful.)
    • "Don't use a knife against your friends." (Don't betray your friends.)

  • Harsh Criticism/Attack:

    • "Her comments were like a knife to his ego."
    • "The review was a knife in the soul of the author."

  • Sharpness/Intensity:

    • "His wit was like a knife." (He was very clever and sometimes cutting.)

4. Grammar & Usage

  • Countable vs. Uncountable: "Knife" is a countable noun (you can have one knife, two knives, etc.). However, you can sometimes discuss knives in terms of quantities (a set of knives), but it’s less common.
  • Plural: The plural of "knife" is "knives."
  • Prepositions: You’ll often use prepositions with “knife”: "with a knife," "a knife in," “a knife against,” etc.

5. Important Notes about Safety

  • Handle with Care: Knives are dangerous! Always use them carefully and responsibly.
  • Storage: Store knives safely, ideally in a block or sheath, to prevent accidents.

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • What are you specifically trying to do with the word "knife"? (e.g., are you writing a story, having a conversation, learning about cooking, etc.)

Synonyms for the word knife

Idioms of the word knife

the knives are out (for somebody)
the situation has become so bad that people are preparing to make one person take the blame, for example by taking away their job
  • The knives are out for the chancellor.
like a knife through butter
(informal)easily; without meeting any difficulty
    put/stick the knife in | put/stick the knife into somebody
    (informal)to behave towards somebody in an unfriendly way and try to harm them
      turn/twist the knife (in the wound)
      to say or do something unkind deliberately; to make somebody who is unhappy feel even more unhappy
      • Marcia laughed as she twisted the knife still deeper.
      • Just to twist the knife, the filmmakers have provided a surprise ending.
      under the knife
      (informal)having a medical operation
      • He is to go under the surgeon's knife again on Thursday.

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