Verbing: meaning, definitions and examples

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verbing

[ ˈvərbɪŋ ]

Verb

^{Context #1 | Verb}

action

The act of turning a noun into a verb by adding the suffix -ing. It is commonly used in English to denote an action that is currently in progress or continuous.

Synonyms

noun-to-verb conversion, noun-to-verb transformation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
verbing	This is commonly used in informal conversations to describe the process of turning a noun into a verb, often in a humorous or creative way. Are you verging that word again? I love how English allows so much verbing!
noun-to-verb transformation	Similar to noun-to-verb conversion, this can be used in formal contexts but emphasizes the change process and end result. The noun-to-verb transformation of 'text' to 'texting' is widely accepted now. Children often creatively engage in noun-to-verb transformations while playing.
noun-to-verb conversion	This term is more technical and formal, suitable for academic discussions or detailed explanations of language phenomena. The noun-to-verb conversion of 'Google' has become a common way to refer to internet searches. Linguists often study noun-to-verb conversions to understand language evolution.

Word

Description / Examples

verbing

This is commonly used in informal conversations to describe the process of turning a noun into a verb, often in a humorous or creative way.

Are you verging that word again?
I love how English allows so much verbing!

noun-to-verb transformation

Similar to noun-to-verb conversion, this can be used in formal contexts but emphasizes the change process and end result.

The noun-to-verb transformation of 'text' to 'texting' is widely accepted now.
Children often creatively engage in noun-to-verb transformations while playing.

noun-to-verb conversion

This term is more technical and formal, suitable for academic discussions or detailed explanations of language phenomena.

The noun-to-verb conversion of 'Google' has become a common way to refer to internet searches.
Linguists often study noun-to-verb conversions to understand language evolution.

Examples of usage

He is currently verbing the noun.
I enjoy verbing nouns to create new words.

Translations

Translations of the word "verbing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 verbalização

🇮🇳 क्रिया बनाना

🇩🇪 Verbalisierung

🇮🇩 verbalisa

🇺🇦 вербалізація

🇵🇱 werbalizacja

🇯🇵 動詞化（どうしか）

🇫🇷 verbalisation

🇪🇸 verbalización

🇹🇷 sözcükleştirme

🇰🇷 동사화 (dongsahwa)

🇸🇦 تحويل إلى فعل

🇨🇿 verbalizace

🇸🇰 verbalizácia

🇨🇳 动词化 (dòngcí huà)

🇸🇮 verbalizacija

🇮🇸 orðgerðar

🇰🇿 етістікке айналдыру

🇬🇪 ვერბალიზაცია

🇦🇿 felilləşdirmə

🇲🇽 verbalización

Etymology

The word 'verbing' originated as a playful and informal linguistic term used to describe the process of turning nouns into verbs. It gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in the context of language play and creativity. The practice of verbing has been both celebrated for its innovation and criticized for potentially diluting the clarity of language. Overall, 'verbing' reflects the dynamic nature of language and its ability to evolve and adapt to new communicative needs.

See also: adverb, proverb, verb, verbal, verbalize, verbiage, verbose, verbosity.