Tossing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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tossing
[ˈtɒsɪŋ ]
Definitions
action of throwing something lightly or casually
Tossing refers to the action of throwing something lightly or casually, often in a carefree manner. It can involve a quick and effortless motion, usually done with one hand. This term is commonly used in sports, cooking, and everyday activities.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tossing |
Used in casual situations when you gently or lightly throw something. Often used when the object is thrown without much force or for a short distance.
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| throwing |
The general term for sending something through the air with your hand. It is neutral and versatile, suitable for most contexts where an object is propelled by hand.
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| flinging |
Implies throwing something with a lot of force or in a careless, hasty way. It often carries a sense of urgency or strong emotion such as anger.
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| pitching |
Commonly used in sports, particularly in baseball, where it refers to throwing the ball to the batter. It is also used metaphorically in business to mean presenting an idea or proposal.
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Examples of usage
- He was practicing his tossing skills with a frisbee at the park.
- She was tossing the salad in a large bowl before dinner.
- The tossing of the coin determined which team would start the game.
throw (something) somewhere lightly or casually
When used as a verb, tossing means to throw something somewhere lightly or casually. It implies a relaxed and informal manner of throwing, often without much force or precision. This action can be seen in various activities such as cooking, games, and cleaning.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tossing |
Informal situations where something is lightly thrown without much force.
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| throw |
General term used in various situations where something is propelled through the air, suitable for both casual and formal use.
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| fling |
Situations where something is thrown with a lot of force or in a hurried manner, often with emotional intensity. Can have a somewhat negative connotation.
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| cast |
More formal or literary contexts, often implying deliberate or purposeful movement. Frequently used with fishing or storytelling.
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Examples of usage
- She was tossing the ball back and forth with her dog.
- He casually tossed his keys onto the table as he walked in the door.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Sports
- In basketball, tossing the ball is crucial for passing and shooting.
- Tossing a coin is a common method to make decisions in sports, like determining which team starts with the ball.
- Tossing in volleyball refers to the technique of gently throwing the ball to set up a play and is vital for teamwork.
Culture
- In many cultures, tossing rice at weddings symbolizes good fortune and a prosperous future for the couple.
- In carnival games, tossing rings onto bottles or tossing darts at balloons is a popular activity for fun.
- Tossing a fishing line is a traditional way to catch fish, reflecting the connection between throwing and nature.
Science
- Tossing objects demonstrates basic physics principles like gravity and projectile motion.
- The angle and speed at which something is tossed can affect how far it travels.
- In studies of animal behavior, tossing food can influence how animals forage and interact.
Literature
- Tossing ideas around in brainstorming sessions is common in creative writing.
- In Shakespeare's plays, tossing metaphors often conveys deeper meanings within dialogue.
- Famous literary references include tossing dreams or tossing thoughts as a means of exploring complex themes.
Origin of 'tossing'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Middle English 'tosse,' meaning to shake.
- It has French roots in the word 'tosser,' which also means to toss or fling.
- The evolution of the word captures the playful and casual nature of throwing.
The word 'tossing' originated from Middle English in the early 14th century. It evolved from the Old English word 'tossian', meaning 'to throw, fling, or cast'. Over the centuries, 'tossing' has retained its core meaning of throwing something lightly or casually, with a sense of ease and nonchalance.