How Do You Spell BACKBITING?

Pronunciation: [bˈakbɪtɪŋ] (IPA)

Backbiting is spelled with a double "b" in the middle, as it is derived from the verb "backbite". The first syllable "back" is pronounced as /bæk/, with a short "a" sound and a hard "k" at the end. The second syllable "bit" is pronounced as /bɪt/, with a short "i" sound and a soft "t". The final syllable "ing" is pronounced as /ɪŋ/, with a nasal "in" sound. The word means to speak unkindly about someone behind their back, often with the intention of causing harm.

BACKBITING Meaning and Definition

  1. Backbiting is a term used to describe the act of making derogatory or malicious remarks about someone in their absence, usually with the intention of undermining their reputation. It involves speaking ill of another person behind their back, often in a secretive or gossip-like manner. Backbiting typically occurs within social groups or communities and may stem from jealousy, resentment, or personal vendettas against the person being spoken about.

    The main characteristic of backbiting is the deliberate intention to harm someone's reputation or impose negative perceptions upon them without their knowledge. This act is considered unethical, malicious, and deceitful, as it lacks transparency and authenticity. The backbiter often spreads rumors or exaggerates perceived flaws or mistakes of the target, with the aim of tarnishing their image or social standing.

    Backbiting can occur in various contexts, such as workplace environments, social events, or even within close-knit circles of friends and family. The harmful effects of backbiting can result in damaged relationships, loss of trust, and emotional distress for the person being backbitten. Additionally, it can create a toxic atmosphere within a community or group, breeding negativity, resentment, and conflicts.

    Overall, backbiting is an act of speaking ill of someone behind their back with the intent to harm their reputation or influence others negatively. It goes against principles of honesty, integrity, and respect for others, and is generally regarded as a detrimental behavior in interpersonal relationships.

  2. The act of slandering the absent.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for BACKBITING

Etymology of BACKBITING

The word "backbiting" originated from Middle English and can be traced back to the Old English term "bæcbytta". This compound word is formed by combining "bæc", meaning "back", and "bytta", meaning "a dwelling or abode". In the context of "backbiting", it refers to dwelling or remaining behind someone's back in order to speak ill of them or criticize them. Over time, "bæcbytta" evolved into "backbiting", maintaining its original meaning of maliciously talking about someone behind their back.

Similar spelling words for BACKBITING

Plural form of BACKBITING is BACKBITINGS

Conjugate verb Backbiting

CONDITIONAL

I would backbite
we would backbite
you would backbite
he/she/it would backbite
they would backbite

FUTURE

I will backbite
we will backbite
you will backbite
he/she/it will backbite
they will backbite

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have backbitten
we will have backbitten
you will have backbitten
he/she/it will have backbitten
they will have backbitten

PAST

I backbit
we backbit
you backbit
he/she/it backbit
they backbit

PAST PERFECT

I had backbitten
we had backbitten
you had backbitten
he/she/it had backbitten
they had backbitten

PRESENT

I backbite
we backbite
you backbite
he/she/it backbites
they backbite

PRESENT PERFECT

I have backbitten
we have backbitten
you have backbitten
he/she/it has backbitten
they have backbitten
I am backbiting
we are backbiting
you are backbiting
he/she/it is backbiting
they are backbiting
I was backbiting
we were backbiting
you were backbiting
he/she/it was backbiting
they were backbiting
I will be backbiting
we will be backbiting
you will be backbiting
he/she/it will be backbiting
they will be backbiting
I have been backbiting
we have been backbiting
you have been backbiting
he/she/it has been backbiting
they have been backbiting
I had been backbiting
we had been backbiting
you had been backbiting
he/she/it had been backbiting
they had been backbiting
I will have been backbiting
we will have been backbiting
you will have been backbiting
he/she/it will have been backbiting
they will have been backbiting
I would have backbitten
we would have backbitten
you would have backbitten
he/she/it would have backbitten
they would have backbitten
I would be backbiting
we would be backbiting
you would be backbiting
he/she/it would be backbiting
they would be backbiting
I would have been backbiting
we would have been backbiting
you would have been backbiting
he/she/it would have been backbiting
they would have been backbiting

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