Chew Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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chew
[tʃuː ]
Definitions
eating
To bite and work (food) in the mouth with the teeth, especially to make it easier to swallow.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| chew |
Use this word when you are talking about the general action of breaking down food with your teeth. It is a common, neutral word.
|
| bite |
This word is suitable when you are specifically referring to the act of closing your teeth into something, often forcefully. It can also be used in contexts involving pain or aggression.
|
| masticate |
This is a more formal and technical term for chewing, commonly used in scientific or medical contexts.
|
| gnaw |
Use this when referring to the action of biting or nibbling something persistently, usually because of hunger, anxiety, or boredom. Often used to describe animals.
|
Examples of usage
- I like to chew my food slowly.
- He chewed on the tough steak for a while before swallowing.
- She chewed her gum loudly during the movie.
informal
To think about something carefully or consider something fully.
Synonyms
consider, contemplate, ponder.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| chew |
Chew is used literally to describe the act of using your teeth to break down food.
|
| consider |
Consider means to think carefully about something, usually when making a decision or evaluating options.
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| contemplate |
Contemplate is used when reflecting or thinking deeply about something, often for an extended period.
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| ponder |
Ponder involves thinking carefully and thoroughly about something, often related to a problem or question.
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Examples of usage
- I need some time to chew it over before making a decision.
- She chewed over the proposal with her team before presenting it.
informal
A long, hard-to-work-through problem or task.
Synonyms
challenge, dilemma, predicament.
Examples of usage
- This project is a real chew.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Health and Nutrition
- Chewing food properly can help with digestion by breaking it down into smaller pieces, making it easier for the stomach to process.
- Saliva released while chewing contains enzymes that begin the digestion of starches, showing that the process starts well before food reaches the stomach.
Psychology
- Chewing can help reduce stress; many people chew gum as a relaxation technique during challenging situations.
- Studies show that the act of chewing may also boost alertness and concentration in some people.
Culinary Arts
- Different cuisines may have specific techniques linked to chewing, emphasizing the importance of savoring flavors and textures, such as in fine dining.
- Some foods are designed to be chewy, like bagels or tough cuts of meat, which can enhance the eating experience.
Animal Behavior
- Many animals, including cows and horses, spend a lot of time chewing their food to aid in their digestive processes.
- Some creatures, like certain species of birds, swallow their food whole and use grit in their gizzards to grind it down instead of chewing.
Origin of 'chew'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'chew' comes from the Old English term 'ceowan,' which has been around since before the 12th century.
- Many languages have similar-sounding words for chewing; for example, in German, it's 'kauen.'
The word 'chew' originates from the Old English word 'ceowan' which meant 'to bite, gnaw, chew'. Over time, the word has retained its basic meaning of the action of chewing, whether in the context of food or in a more metaphorical sense of thinking things over. The act of chewing has been essential to human survival and has cultural significance in various societies around the world.