Backbitten: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ
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backbitten

 

[ bรฆkหˆbษชtษ™n ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

gossip, betrayal

Backbitten refers to the act of speaking negatively about someone behind their back. It implies a sense of treachery or disloyalty, as the person being discussed is unaware of the negative sentiments being expressed. This behavior often leads to mistrust and can harm relationships within social or professional circles. It highlights the negative aspects of human interaction and can be seen as a form of emotional harm.

Synonyms

betray, defame, malign, slander

Examples of usage

  • She backbitten about her colleague during lunch.
  • It's not right to backbite; instead, we should discuss issues directly.
  • He was known for backbiting, which cost him many friendships.

Translations

Translations of the word "backbitten" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น falar mal de alguรฉm

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅ€เค  เคชเฅ€เค›เฅ‡ เคฌเคพเคคเฅ‡เค‚ เค•เคฐเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช hinterhรคltig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ menggunjing

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝะฐะบะปะตะฟ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ obgadywanie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ฃๅˆ‡ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท parler dans le dos

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ hablar a las espaldas

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dedikodu yapmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋’ค์—์„œ ํ—˜๋‹ดํ•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุบุฏุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pomlouvat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ohovรกraลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ƒŒๅŽ่ฏดไบบๅ่ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ obrekovati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ baki tala um einhvern

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐั€า›ะฐัั‹ะฝะฐะฝ ัำฉะนะปะตัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฃแƒ™แƒแƒœแƒ–แƒ” แƒกแƒแƒฃแƒ‘แƒแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ arxadan danฤฑลŸmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ hablar a las espaldas

Etymology

The word 'backbitten' originates from the combination of 'back' and 'bite', where 'bite' comes from the Old English 'bytan', meaning to bite or sting. The term evolved over time to refer specifically to the metaphorical act of harming someone through malicious talk or gossip, without their knowledge. It reflects the notion of betrayal, as it denotes an action that is both covert and detrimental. The concept of discussing others in a negative light dates back to ancient times, with mentions in literature signifying its long-standing presence in social dynamics. Its usage has been documented in various contexts, indicating its relevance in describing interpersonal relationships and the complexities associated with trust and loyalty.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,465, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.