Glossing: meaning, definitions and examples

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glossing

 

[ ˈɡlɔsɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

linguistics term

Glossing refers to the practice of providing an explanation or translation of a word or text. In linguistics, it is often used to clarify the meaning of words from a foreign language by giving a brief description or annotated comments. This method can aid in language learning and comprehension, especially in complex texts. Glossing can also relate to the process of applying a shiny or lustrous coating to a surface.

Synonyms

annotation, exegesis, explication

Examples of usage

  • The glossing of the foreign text helped with understanding.
  • In linguistics, glossing is essential for accurate translation.
  • She is studying the glossing techniques used in poetry.
Context #2 | Verb

application process

To gloss something means to add a superficial or misleading interpretation to it. In a more literal sense, it can describe the act of applying a shiny finish to an object or surface, enhancing its appearance. Glossing can also suggest covering up or obscuring the true nature of something by presenting a more palatable facade.

Synonyms

overlay, shine, superficial treatment

Examples of usage

  • He glossed over the details of the incident.
  • The craftsman glossed the wood to make it shine.
  • Don't gloss this issue; we need to face it head-on.

Translations

Translations of the word "glossing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 anotação

🇮🇳 व्याख्या

🇩🇪 Glossierung

🇮🇩 penjelasan

🇺🇦 глосування

🇵🇱 glosowanie

🇯🇵 注釈

🇫🇷 glossaire

🇪🇸 glosado

🇹🇷 gloslama

🇰🇷 주석

🇸🇦 تفسير

🇨🇿 glosování

🇸🇰 glosovanie

🇨🇳 注释

🇸🇮 glosiranje

🇮🇸 glósun

🇰🇿 түсіндіру

🇬🇪 გლოსირება

🇦🇿 izah

🇲🇽 glosado

Word origin

The term 'glossing' has its origins in the Latin word 'glossa,' meaning 'language' or 'tongue,' which itself comes from the Greek word 'glōssa.' In ancient literary texts, glosses were notes added for clarification, helping readers understand unfamiliar terms or concepts. The practice of glossing has evolved over centuries, particularly in the fields of linguistics and translations, where it plays a crucial role in bridging language barriers. The shift in meaning to a more visual application, as in the physical act of introducing a shiny finish, highlights the versatility of the term as both a linguistic and aesthetic process. Glossing has become fundamental in various academic disciplines, including philology and art, further intertwining its historical roots with contemporary usage.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,379 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.