Part of Speech

Verb, Noun

Pronunciation

/tʃuː/

Definitions

• (Verb) To grind food between the teeth before swallowing.
• (Verb) To repeatedly bite or gnaw on something.
• (Noun) The act of chewing.
• (Noun) A substance meant to be chewed, such as chewing gum or tobacco.

Usage Examples

• Make sure to chew your food properly before swallowing.
• The dog loves to chew on his toy.
• She took a chew of gum before speaking.

Etymology

From Old English "ceowan," meaning "to bite, gnaw, chew," related to German "kauen" and Dutch "kauwen."

Synonyms

• Bite
• Gnaw
• Masticate
• Chomp

Antonyms

• Swallow
• Spit

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English, "chew" is pronounced with a long "oo" sound (/tʃuː/), while in some British dialects, the pronunciation may have a slight diphthong (/tʃjuː/).

Historical Usage

Chewing has been an essential part of human survival for millennia. The word "chew" has been found in Old English texts and has remained unchanged in meaning. Chewing gum and tobacco became popular forms of "chews" in modern history.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, chewing gum is associated with casual behavior, while in formal settings, it is often considered inappropriate. Some societies also use betel leaves for chewing as a traditional practice.

More Information

Chewing plays a significant role in digestion, speech development, and dental health. Scientific studies suggest that chewing gum may aid concentration and relieve stress. In some cultures, chewing certain substances like tobacco or betel nut is a social tradition, despite health risks.