spit
/spɪt/ IELTSAcademic
verb
to force saliva or liquid out of your mouth. It can also mean to say something rudely and quickly.
- He spat on the ground.
- Don't spit in the street.
- She spat out an angry reply.
noun
saliva, or a small amount of liquid or food that has been spat out.
- There was spit on the mirror.
- He wiped the spit from his chin.
- A spit of soup landed on the table.
Adinary Nuance
Spit is stronger and rougher than spit out when used for saliva, and more direct than say or utter for rude speech. In everyday English, people often use it for the physical action, while the speech meaning sounds angry or informal. It is not polite in careful conversation.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- nhổ
- Spanish
- escupir
- Chinese
- 吐口水
- Japanese
- 吐く
- Korean
- 뱉다
Etymology
Old English spittan, from a Germanic root. The word has kept its basic meaning of forcing something out of the mouth since early English.
Common phrases
spit onspit outspit and polishspit blood
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is spit rude to use in speech?
- Yes, it can sound rude or rough, especially when talking about words or behavior.
- What is the difference between spit and spit out?
- Spit is the general verb. Spit out often sounds more complete or forceful.
- Can spit be a noun?
- Yes. As a noun, it means saliva or something spat out.
- Is spit common in writing?
- Yes, but it is informal. In formal writing, people often choose more careful words.