gibe

****************************************************************
Introducing WORD SWEEP!, the first board game to feature Merriam-Webster 
definitions! Enjoy hours of challenging fun. Try it at:
http://www.wordsweep.com 
****************************************************************

The Word of the Day for May 30 is:

gibe   \JYBE\   verb
     : to utter taunting words

Example sentence: 
     The crowd began to gibe at the basketball player who kept missing free 
throws.

Did you know? 
     Confused about "jibe" and "gibe"? The distinction actually isn't as 
clear-cut as some commentators would like it to be. "Jibe" is used both for the 
verb meaning "to be in accord, agree" ("jibe with") and for the nautical verb 
and noun ("jibe the mainsail," "a risky jibe in heavy seas"). "Gibe" is used 
for the verb "to deride or tease" and the noun "a taunting remark." But "jibe" 
is a recognized variant of "gibe," so it also has taunting or teasing uses. 
"Gibe" has been used occasionally as a variant of "jibe," but this use is very 
rare, and many people consider it to be an error. 





You Are Subscribed As: gclw-mw-wod7@xxxxxxxxx
To unsubscribe, change your e-mail address or to subscribe to the html
version of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, featuring audio
pronunciations, please visit:

http://mw.drhinternet.net/sm/wod/changeofaddress.iphtml

(c) 2007 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated

Merriam-Webster, Inc.
47 Federal Street
P.O. Box 281
Springfield, MA 01102