Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/ʧʌŋk/

Definitions

• Noun: A thick piece or portion of something, especially one that is cut or broken off from a larger object.
• Noun: A substantial or significant amount of something.
• Verb: To break or divide into chunks, or to cut into pieces.

Usage Examples

• She cut the cake into large chunks for everyone to share.
• He took a chunk of the bread and handed it to me.
• The company invested a huge chunk of its budget in new technology.
• They decided to chunk the old furniture and replace it with new pieces.

Etymology

The word "chunk" is derived from Middle English "chunke" (meaning a large piece or lump) and is likely related to the Old French word "chunche" or "chunke", possibly influenced by "chink," meaning a crack or small piece. The word has been in use since the 14th century in various forms.

Synonyms

• Piece
• Portion
• Slab
• Lump
• Block
• Segment

Antonyms

• Whole
• Entirety
• Whole piece
• Unit

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "chunk" can vary slightly based on the accent or region. In American English, it is pronounced with a more rounded 'u', while British English may use a more neutral vowel sound. In some regions, the "ch" may be pronounced more sharply, while in others it might have a softer sound.

Historical Usage

The term "chunk" has been used since the 15th century, originally referring to a large, solid piece of wood or stone. Over time, its meaning expanded to include any large, substantial piece or portion of something, and by the 19th century, it was also used metaphorically to refer to significant amounts of money, effort, or time.

Cultural Nuances

The word "chunk" is often used informally in conversation and is associated with physical objects or quantities. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a large portion of an abstract concept, like time or money. In some regions, the term "chunk" may refer specifically to food portions, particularly in casual settings or during communal meals.

More Information

The word "chunk" is versatile and widely used in English-speaking cultures. It can describe a literal piece of something, like a chunk of bread or stone, or it can refer to more abstract quantities, such as a chunk of time or effort. The term is commonly found in both casual and technical contexts, such as computing, where "chunking" refers to breaking data into manageable pieces. Additionally, in casual conversations, the word is often used in expressions like "a chunk of my day" or "a big chunk of money" to describe significant portions of something.