Langimage
English

gossip

|gos/sip|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈɡɑːsɪp/

🇬🇧

/ˈɡɒsɪp/

casual talk

Etymology
Etymology Information

'gossip' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'godsibb,' where 'god' meant 'god' and 'sibb' meant 'relative.'

Historical Evolution

'godsibb' transformed into the Middle English word 'gossib,' and eventually became the modern English word 'gossip.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a godparent or sponsor at a baptism,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'casual talk about others.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as true.

She loves to spread gossip about her neighbors.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 1

to engage in casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as true.

They often gossip about their colleagues during lunch.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39