Gnaw
Verb
Definition: To bite or chew on something persistently, often making a steady gnawing sound.
Synonyms: Chew, Nibble, Chomp
Antonyms: Ignore, Neglect
Examples:
- The dog likes to gnaw on bones.
- I could hear the rat gnawing on the wooden floorboards.
Mnemonics:
- Imagine a dog relentlessly gnawing on a bone.
Etymology:
Origin:
Old English 'gnagan', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'knagen' and German 'nagen'.
Historical Usage:The word has been used since Old English times.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Gnaw at"
Explanation:To persistently bother or worry someone.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Confusing 'gnaw' with 'gore'.
Explanation:'Gnaw' refers to the act of biting or chewing steadily, while 'gore' means to pierce or stab violently. These words have different meanings and usage.