Knife: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ช
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knife

 

[ naษชf ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

in the kitchen

A knife is a tool with a sharp edge or blade, used for cutting or as a weapon. It consists of a blade attached to a handle.

Synonyms

blade, cutting tool, dagger.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
knife

Commonly used for general cutting purposes, such as in the kitchen or for everyday tasks.

  • He used a knife to chop the vegetables.
  • Make sure you always have a sharp knife in your toolkit.
blade

Refers to the cutting part of a tool or weapon, often used in specific contexts like blade of grass or a part of machinery, and can also imply sharpness.

  • The blade of the lawnmower needs to be replaced.
  • The sword's blade gleamed in the sunlight.
dagger

Specifically refers to a small, pointed weapon and often has a historical or dramatic context. It carries a more negative or aggressive connotation.

  • The knight hid a dagger in his boot.
  • She felt a sharp pain, like a dagger, in her side.
cutting tool

A general term used for any tool that is designed to cut, often used in technical or industrial settings.

  • A high-quality cutting tool is essential for precise metalwork.
  • She bought a new cutting tool for her woodworking projects.

Examples of usage

  • I used a knife to cut the vegetables.
  • She always carries a Swiss Army knife with her.
  • The chef's knife is essential for cooking.
  • The suspect was found with a bloody knife.
  • He threatened the victim with a knife.
Context #2 | Verb

in a figurative sense

To knife someone means to stab them with a knife, usually in a violent or aggressive manner.

Synonyms

assault, pierce, stab.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
knife

Commonly used to refer to a tool with a sharp blade, usually for cutting or preparing food. Can also be a weapon.

  • She used a sharp knife to chop the vegetables
  • The suspect was found with a knife
stab

Refers specifically to the act of attacking or injuring someone with a pointed object, like a knife. Typically has a negative connotation.

  • He was stabbed during the fight
  • The villain attempted to stab the hero
pierce

Used to describe the action of making a hole through something using a sharp object.

  • She used a needle to pierce her ear for an earring
  • The thorn pierced through the fabric of his shirt
assault

Refers to a physical attack or violent act against someone. Has a strong negative connotation.

  • He faced charges of assault after the incident
  • The victim did not expect the sudden assault

Examples of usage

  • He knifed his opponent in a fit of rage.
  • The betrayal felt like being knifed in the back.

Translations

Translations of the word "knife" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น faca

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคšเคพเค•เฅ‚

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Messer

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pisau

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝั–ะถ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ nรณลผ

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒŠใ‚คใƒ•

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท couteau

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cuchillo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท bฤฑรงak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์นผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณูƒูŠู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nลฏลพ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nรดลพ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅˆ€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ noลพ

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hnรญfur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟั‹ัˆะฐา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒœแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bฤฑรงaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ cuchillo

Etymology

The word 'knife' originated from the Old English word 'cnif', which is of Germanic origin. The concept of a knife as a cutting tool has been present in human civilization for thousands of years, with ancient knives made of stone, bone, and eventually metal. Knives have been essential tools for hunting, cooking, and self-defense throughout history.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,066, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.