Gall: meaning, definitions and examples

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gall

 

[ ษกษ”หl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

audacity, nerve

Gall refers to bold, impudent behavior or attitude. It describes a quality of being excessively forward or rude, often in a way that is shocking to others. A person displaying gall might act with an over-the-top confidence that disregards social norms or the feelings of others. This term can also imply a level of shock or displeasure at someone's actions or words.

Synonyms

arrogance, audacity, boldness, impudence, nerve.

Examples of usage

  • She had the gall to interrupt the speaker.
  • He showed gall when he asked for a raise after just one month.
  • It takes a lot of gall to challenge the authority.
  • I can't believe she had the gall to criticize my work.
Context #2 | Noun

irritation, resentment

Gall can also reference a bitterness of spirit, an especially intense feeling of resentment or annoyance. It can describe a deep-seated displeasure or grievance that arises from perceived wrongs or injustices. This use often carries a more emotional weight than its first definition, encompassing feelings of anger and dissatisfaction.

Synonyms

anger, bitterness, grievance, indignation, resentment.

Examples of usage

  • She felt gall at the unfair treatment during the meeting.
  • There's a sense of gall in his voice when he talks about the incident.
  • His gall stems from years of feeling overlooked.
  • You could hear the gall in their words as they spoke about the decision.
Context #3 | Noun

botanical term

In a botanical context, gall refers to a growth on a plant that is caused by the irritation of an insect, fungus, or bacteria. These growths can take various forms, such as swelling or distortions, and often serve as habitats or nourishment for the organism responsible. Galls can affect many types of plants and vary greatly in appearance and impact.

Synonyms

deformation, growth, swelling, tumor.

Examples of usage

  • The oak tree was covered in galls from the wasps.
  • Botanists study galls to understand plant-insect interactions.
  • Some galls are so intricate, they resemble small sculptures.
  • The galls can indicate the health of the surrounding ecosystem.

Translations

Translations of the word "gall" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น bile

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเคฟเคคเฅเคค

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Galle

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ empedu

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะถะพะฒั‡

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ลผรณล‚ฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ƒ†ๆฑ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท bile

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ bilis

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท safra

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋‹ด์ฆ™

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุตูุฑุงุก

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลพluฤ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ลพlฤ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ƒ†ๆฑ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ลพolฤ

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ gall

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ำฉั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒŸ่ƒ†แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ safra

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ bilis

Etymology

The word 'gall' has its origins in Old English 'galla', which derives from Latin 'galla' meaning 'sore, gall'. The term was used in English as early as the 14th century to refer to the bitterness or irritability that arises from being wronged or insulted. Over time, the meaning expanded, encompassing not only the emotional aspects of irritation but also the physical manifestation of plant galls. This botanical sense of gall was borrowed into English from the Latin term as well, reflecting the earlier etymology. The evolution of the term reflects the way language can adapt and grow to express different facets of human experience, from the emotional to the physical.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,858, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.