Twig: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒฟ
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twig

 

[ twษชษก ]

Noun / Verb
Plants
Context #1 | Noun

small branch

A twig is a small, thin branch of a tree or bush.

Synonyms

branchlet, sprig, stick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
twig

Refers to a small, thin branch from a tree or bush, often used in everyday language when talking about something fragile or easily breakable.

  • The bird picked up a twig to build its nest
  • She heard the sound of a twig snapping underfoot
branchlet

Used in more technical or botanical contexts to describe a small branch that stems off the main branch of a tree or shrub.

  • The branchlets of the oak tree swayed in the wind
  • The intricate pattern of branchlets made the tree look fuller
sprig

Often refers to a small stem with leaves or flowers, commonly used when speaking about herbs, plants, or decorations.

  • She added a sprig of mint to the cocktail
  • The chef garnished the dish with a sprig of rosemary
stick

A general term for a small piece of wood, commonly used in everyday speech, can also imply something used as a tool or for support.

  • He used a stick to poke the fire
  • Children were playing with sticks in the yard

Examples of usage

  • The bird built its nest using twigs from the nearby trees.
  • She picked up a twig and used it to stir the fire.
Context #2 | Verb

to understand

To twig means to suddenly understand or realize something.

Synonyms

comprehend, grasp, realize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
twig

This is a British informal term used when you suddenly understand something after not understanding it initially. Often used in conversational contexts.

  • It took me a while, but I finally twigged what she was hinting at.
  • Just give him a moment; he'll twig eventually.
comprehend

This word is formal and is used when you understand something fully and completely, often in academic or deep thought contexts.

  • The students found it difficult to comprehend the complex equations.
  • She failed to comprehend the gravity of the situation.
grasp

This word is used when you are actively trying to understand or manage a concept. It often implies effort and can relate to practical or abstract ideas.

  • He managed to grasp the basics of the new programming language.
  • It's important to grasp the key points of the presentation.
realize

This word is used when you come to understand something suddenly or the truth of a situation dawns on you. It can be used in many contexts, both personal and general.

  • She suddenly realized she had left her keys at home.
  • It took him years to realize the impact of his actions.

Examples of usage

  • I finally twigged what she was trying to say.
  • After a moment, he twigged that he had been tricked.

Translations

Translations of the word "twig" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น galho

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคŸเคนเคจเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Zweig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ranting

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณั–ะปะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ gaล‚ฤ…zka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฐๆž (koeda)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท brindille

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ ramita

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dal

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐ€์ง€ (gaji)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุบุตู† ุตุบูŠุฑ (ghusn saghir)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vฤ›tviฤka

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vetviฤka

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฐๆž (xiวŽozhฤซ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ vejica

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kvistur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑาฑั‚ะฐา›ัˆะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒขแƒแƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ budaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ ramita

Etymology

The word 'twig' originated from Old English 'twigge' which meant a small branch or shoot. It has been used in the English language for centuries to refer to small branches or sticks, and in more recent times, it has also been used figuratively to mean to understand or realize something suddenly.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,978, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.