Antonyms for gift


Grammar : Noun
Spell : gift
Phonetic Transcription : gɪft


Definition of gift

Origin :
  • mid-13c. (c.1100 in surnames), from a Scandinavian source, cf. Old Norse gift, gipt "gift, good luck," from Proto-Germanic *giftiz (cf. Old Saxon gift, Old Frisian jefte, Middle Dutch ghifte "gift," German Mitgift "dowry"), from PIE root *ghabh- "to give or receive" (see habit).
  • For German Gift "poison," see poison (n.). Old English cognate gift meant "bride-price, marriage gift (by the groom), dowry" (Old English noun for "giving, gift" was related giefu). Sense of "natural talent" is c.1300, perhaps from earlier sense of "inspiration" (late 12c.). As a verb from 16c., especially in gifted. As a verb, giftwrap (also gift-wrap) attested by 1936.
  • noun something given freely, for no recompense
  • noun talent, aptitude
Example sentences :
  • He can't acquire the gift, and no more can a chap acquire this gift.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • If a chap's not born with the gift he's an ass to think he can acquire it.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • Thank you, Robert; I will accept your gift with thanks on one condition.
  • Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
  • Two puppies were carried in a basket, one of which the Princess accepted as a gift.
  • Extract from : « The Grand Old Man » by Richard B. Cook
  • Also, as a rule, he was weak enough to accept a gift when the stranger parted.
  • Extract from : « Way of the Lawless » by Max Brand
  • Grace's face was alight with appreciation of Mrs. Gray's gift.
  • Extract from : « Grace Harlowe's Return to Overton Campus » by Jessie Graham Flower
  • In the twenty-three years of his life, every gift that money could lavish had been his.
  • Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana
  • He had given back to her the gift of life, which she had rejected.
  • Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana
  • Like all imaginative people, she had the gift of dramatizing herself.
  • Extract from : « K » by Mary Roberts Rinehart
  • The fact of the gift is bad enough; without explanation it is horrible.
  • Extract from : « The Man Shakespeare » by Frank Harris

Synonyms for gift

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019