Lick Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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lick
[lɪk ]
Definitions
action
To pass the tongue over something in order to taste, moisten, or clean it.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| lick |
Used when a person or animal runs their tongue over something lightly.
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| taste |
Used when someone tries a small amount of food or drink to experience its flavor.
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| lap |
Often used when an animal drinks a liquid by using its tongue repeatedly.
|
| lick up |
Implies thorough licking, often used for liquids or small particles, sometimes has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The dog licked the ice cream cone before giving it back to its owner.
- She licked the envelope before sealing it.
informal
A small amount of a substance, especially a drink.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| lick |
Used when referring to touching something lightly with the tongue.
|
| sip |
Refers to drinking in small amounts, often in a careful or slow manner.
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| swig |
Implies drinking in large gulps, often in a casual or informal manner.
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| taste |
Refers to trying food or drink to check its flavor.
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Examples of usage
- Just a lick of whiskey to warm me up.
- She took a lick of the ice cream before handing it to her friend.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- The 2000 song 'Lick It Up' by Kiss became a classic anthem about enjoyment and living in the moment.
- In animation, cartoon characters often lick things to express curiosity or desire, enhancing their comedic effect.
Science
- Licking is a common behavior among many animals for tasting food or determining texture and temperature.
- In humans, the sense of taste is partly enhanced by saliva, which is mixed when something is licked.
Psychology
- The act of licking can be associated with comfort and soothing in both humans and pets, often used in stress relief.
- Studies show that people can be drawn to items that have been licked or tasted, associating them with the experience of enjoyment.
Literature
- Licking has been used in poetry to evoke sensory experiences, often relating to love and desire.
- Famous literary works sometimes use licking as a motif to symbolize indulgence or forbidden pleasures.
Origin of 'lick'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'lick' comes from the Old English 'liccian', which meant to touch with the tongue.
- It has been used in the English language for centuries and can be traced back as far as the 10th century.
The word 'lick' originated from the Old English word 'liccian', which means to pass the tongue over. It has been used in the English language for centuries to describe the action of touching something with the tongue. Over time, 'lick' has evolved to have additional meanings, such as a small amount of a substance. The word has remained a common and versatile term in modern English.