Gnawing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gnawing

[nɔːɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

feelings

To cause persistent distress or anxiety. To bite or chew on with the teeth.

Synonyms

bite, chew, consume, munch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gnawing	Used to describe the act of biting or chewing something persistently, often with a sense of discomfort or urgency. It can also refer to an ongoing feeling of worry. The mouse was gnawing at the wooden table leg. She felt a gnawing anxiety about the upcoming exam.
chew	Used when you want to describe the process of using one's teeth to grind food in preparation for swallowing. It's important to chew your food properly for better digestion. He likes to chew gum during his classes.
munch	Used to describe the action of eating something crisply or nosily, often informally or casually. He munched on some chips while watching TV. She was munching an apple during the meeting.
bite	Used to describe the action of using the teeth to cut into something, often in a quick or sharp manner. The dog will bite if it feels threatened. She took a small bite out of the apple.
consume	Used to describe the act of eating, drinking, or ingesting something. It can also refer more broadly to using up a resource. She decided to consume more vegetables for her health. The fire quickly consumed the old house.

Examples of usage

He had a gnawing feeling that something was wrong.
The dog kept gnawing on the bone.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

medical

Severe pain or discomfort in the stomach caused by hunger.

Synonyms

ache, cramp, discomfort, pain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gnawing	Typically describes a persistent feeling of discomfort or worry, often likened to a dull, constant pain. He felt a gnawing in his stomach from hunger The thought of the interview left a gnawing sensation in her mind
pain	A general term for an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience, which can vary greatly in intensity and type. The injury caused her intense pain He felt a sharp pain in his back while lifting the box
discomfort	Can refer to a slight or mild feeling of physical unease or pain, or a mental state of unease or awkwardness. She felt some discomfort during the dental procedure There was a sense of discomfort in the room after the argument
ache	Refers to a continuous, steady pain that is often not sharp but persistent and annoying. After the workout, she experienced an ache in her muscles The headache made it difficult to concentrate at work
cramp	Describes a sudden, involuntary muscle contraction causing severe pain, often localized to a specific area. He got a cramp in his leg while running The swimmer had to stop due to a cramp in her side

Examples of usage

She felt a gnawing in her stomach from skipping lunch.
The gnawing in his stomach was unbearable.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'gnawing'

The word 'gnawing' originated from the Old English word 'gnagan', which means 'to gnaw'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to describe the action of biting or chewing on something with the teeth. Over time, the word has also come to be associated with feelings of persistent distress or discomfort, particularly in the context of hunger or anxiety.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,124, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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20121 stinking
20122 fluted
20123 compactness
20124 gnawing
20125 unsuspected
20126 slider
20127 giggling
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