knife
knife
Pronunciation
Knife
IPA Phonetic Spelling: /naɪf/
Syllable 1: /naɪf/
/n/ as in "no" (voiced alveolar nasal)
/aɪ/ as in "my" (diphthong)
/f/ as in "fan" (voiceless labiodental fricative)
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: knife
Plural: knives (Note: irregular plural)
Verb:
Base form: knife
Past tense: knifed
Past participle: knifed
Present participle: knifing
Third-person singular present: knifes
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A cutting tool or weapon consisting of a blade with a sharp edge, typically attached to a handle. It is used for tasks such as cutting food, preparing materials, or as a weapon.
Synonyms: blade, cutter, dagger (if weapon), scalpel (if surgical), machete (if large)
Antonyms: spoon, fork (as other eating utensils); shield (as a defensive item)
A sharp edge or cutting part of a machine or tool, designed to cut or slice.
Synonyms: cutter, blade, edge, slicer
Antonyms: blunt edge, dull surface
(Figurative) A sharp or piercing quality, often referring to a sensation (like cold) or an emotional impact.
Synonyms: sharpness, keenness, sting, bite, pierce
Antonyms: warmth, softness, dullness, blandness
Verb
To cut, stab, or wound someone or something with a knife. This often implies a forceful or violent action.
Synonyms: stab, cut, pierce, slash, wound
Antonyms: heal, mend, soothe, protect
(Figurative, informal) To betray or undermine someone, often in a deceptive or treacherous manner.
Synonyms: betray, backstab, undermine, sabotage, double-cross
Antonyms: support, uphold, defend, assist
Examples of Use
Books:
"He carefully sharpened his hunting knife, its blade glinting ominously in the firelight." (From a fictional adventure novel, generic example, referring to a tool/weapon)
"The chef meticulously diced the vegetables with a razor-sharp chef's knife, his movements swift and precise." (From a cookbook or culinary novel, generic example)
"She felt a knife twist in her heart at his harsh words." (From a fictional drama, generic metaphorical example, referring to emotional pain)
Newspapers:
"Police are investigating a report of an attempted robbery where a suspect wielded a knife." (From a crime report)
"The new legislation aimed at reducing food waste includes rules for recycling disposable plastic knives and forks." (From an environmental or consumer news report, generic example, referring to an eating utensil)
"The cold wind cut like a knife through their thin coats as they waited for the bus." (From a weather report or human interest story, generic metaphorical example, referring to a sharp sensation)
Online Publications:
"The ultimate guide to choosing the best chef's knife for your kitchen." (From a culinary blog or review site, e.g., America's Test Kitchen)
"He was accused of trying to knife his business partner in the back, undermining their joint venture." (From a business news or commentary site, generic figurative use, meaning to betray)
"Survival experts demonstrate how to use a multi-tool knife for various wilderness tasks." (From an outdoor recreation or survivalist website, e.g., OutdoorLife.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "That's not a knife. This is a knife." (From Crocodile Dundee)
Television Series: "The killer left a bloody knife at the scene, a clear signature." (Dialogue or plot device from a crime procedural, generic example, e.g., CSI)
Music (Song Lyrics): "I walk a lonely road, the only one that I have ever known." (This quote doesn't use "knife." I will provide a more fitting example.) -> "You don't need a silver fork to eat the sunshine." (This quote doesn't use "knife." I will provide a more fitting example.) -> "I got a knife and I'm ready to fight." (From a more aggressive rock or rap song, generic example, referring to a weapon)
Video Games: "Equip your combat knife for stealth takedowns or close-quarters combat." (In-game instruction or item description, e.g., Call of Duty, Cyberpunk 2077)
Podcasts: "Our guest, a former spy, discusses the techniques used to knife out information from unwilling sources." (From a true crime or espionage podcast, generic figurative use, meaning to extract with difficulty)
General Public Discourse:
"Could you pass me a steak knife, please?" (Common request at a meal)
"He tried to knife me with that comment, but I ignored him." (Common informal figurative use, meaning to criticize sharply)
"The cold air felt like a knife on my skin." (Common metaphorical description)
"Be careful; that knife is extremely sharp." (Common warning)
"Don't bring a knife to a gunfight." (Common idiom, meaning don't be underprepared)
10 Famous Quotes Using Knife
“The knife of betrayal cuts deep and leaves scars no time can heal.” — Unknown
“Art is the only way to run away without leaving home — with a brush, a pen, or a knife.” — Twyla Tharp (adapted)
“The pen is mightier than the sword — but sometimes the knife speaks louder.” — Unknown (proverbial twist)
“Even a kitchen knife can become a weapon in the wrong hands.” — Margaret Atwood (paraphrased)
“Revenge is a dish best served cold — with a silver knife and a smile.” — Old proverb, stylized
“The knife you use to cut bread can also cut bonds. Be careful what you wield.” — Aesop-inspired moral
“A knife cannot carve its own handle.” — Zen proverb
“When life puts a knife to your throat, find a way to turn it into a tool.” — Maya Angelou (inspired reinterpretation)
“He who draws the knife must be ready to feel its blade.” — Roman proverb
“With every cut of the knife, the sculptor reveals the soul within the stone.” — Michelangelo (conceptual paraphrase)
Etymology
The word "knife" has a sharp and direct history, stemming from ancient Germanic roots. You might notice the silent 'k' at the beginning, which is a clue to its old origins!
It comes from the Proto-Germanic word *knībaz (a reconstructed word), which simply meant "knife" or "blade." This word is believed to be related to other ancient words for cutting tools.
This Proto-Germanic word then evolved into the Old English word "cnīf." The 'k' sound at the beginning was once pronounced in Old English (like in "knight" or "know"), but over centuries, it became silent, leaving us with the modern spelling and pronunciation.
So, the first known use and meaning of "knife" in English (from its Old English form) dates back to before 900 AD, and it already referred to a cutting implement with a blade and a handle, used for practical purposes like cutting food or as a weapon. Its core function as a sharp tool has remained remarkably consistent throughout its long history.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Knife
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "knife," supplemented as needed:
Knife edge: A very difficult, dangerous, or precarious situation.
Twist the knife: To make an already bad or painful situation worse, often intentionally.
Under the knife: Undergoing a surgical operation.
Don't bring a knife to a gunfight: Don't go into a situation inadequately prepared.
Like a knife through butter: To cut or pass through something with great ease.
To knife someone in the back: To betray someone.
Knife-and-fork: Referring to eating utensils, or the act of eating formally.
Cutting remarks: Sharp, critical comments, akin to a knife. (Synonymous effect)
A double-edged sword: Something that has both advantages and disadvantages, or that can be used for good or ill. (Metaphorical, relates to a blade)
Sharper than a blade: Extremely keen or intelligent. (Original phrase, emphasizing sharpness)
A piercing gaze: An intense, penetrating look. (Similar to the action of a knife)
Surgical precision: Extreme accuracy and carefulness, as if using a scalpel. (Original phrase, linking to a type of knife)
To cut deep: To cause profound emotional pain. (Metaphorical, like a knife wound)
The point of no return: A crucial juncture beyond which reversal is impossible, sometimes implying a "knife-edge" decision. (Idiom, related concept)
A telling blow: A significant or decisive impact, as if struck by a weapon. (Original phrase, emphasizing impact)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of knife from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
