Part of Speech

Verb, Noun

Pronunciation

/bləʊ/ (British), /bloʊ/ (American)

Definitions

• Verb (transitive): To expel air forcibly from the mouth, often with a puffing motion.
• Verb (intransitive): To be carried by the wind; to move or travel by means of wind.
• Verb (transitive): To strike or hit forcefully, especially with the hand or a weapon.
• Verb (intransitive): To fail or be ruined, as in a business "blowing up."
• Noun: A powerful or violent force of air; a gust of wind.
• Noun: An impact or hit, typically a blow to the head or body.

Usage Examples

• He blew out the candles on his birthday cake.
• The wind began to blow fiercely, uprooting trees.
• She blew him a kiss from across the room.
• His business went under after a big financial blow.

Etymology

Middle English "blowen," from Old English "blowan," from Proto-Germanic *blawjaną (to blow). The word has Indo-European roots and shares cognates with words in other languages, such as Dutch "blazen" and German "blasen." The meaning of blowing air or striking has evolved over centuries, influencing multiple modern uses of the word.

Synonyms

• Exhale
• Puff
• Blast
• Strike
• Hit

Antonyms

• Inhale
• Hold
• Save
• Press

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /bləʊ/
• American English: /bloʊ/
• Australian English: /bloʊ/

Historical Usage

In Old English, the word "blow" referred to both the act of blowing air and striking a blow. It evolved from Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European roots, becoming associated with wind and breath. Over time, "blow" expanded to include metaphorical meanings, such as to indicate failure or destruction, as in the phrase "a major blow." It has remained in common usage for both its physical and figurative meanings.

Cultural Nuances

In various cultures, the concept of a "blow" can have both literal and metaphorical significance. A physical blow might refer to an actual punch or strike, often related to combat or sports. In contrast, the metaphorical "blow" often symbolizes loss, disappointment, or destruction. For instance, "a blow to the economy" refers to a significant setback, while in sports, "blow" can signify a critical mistake. The versatility of the word extends to other contexts like blowing a whistle in sports or blowing off steam when one is upset.

More Information

The verb "blow" has numerous applications across different contexts, from physical actions (blowing air or hitting) to metaphorical meanings (suffering a loss, making a mistake). It is central to expressions in various forms of speech, such as "blow hot and cold," "blow off steam," and "blow the whistle." Its wide-ranging use reflects its essential role in communication, denoting both the literal expulsion of air and a variety of figurative meanings that have evolved over time.