How Do You Spell KNIFE?

Pronunciation: [nˈa͡ɪf] (IPA)

Correct spelling for the English word "knife" is [nˈa͡ɪf], [nˈa‍ɪf], [n_ˈaɪ_f] (IPA phonetic alphabet).

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
Basic Check Advanced Check

KNIFE Meaning and Definition

  1. A knife is a versatile handheld cutting tool that consists of a sharp blade attached to a handle. Traditionally, the blade is made of metal, usually stainless steel or carbon steel, while the handle can be crafted from various materials such as wood, plastic, or metal alloys. Its primary function is to slice through different objects, ranging from food preparation such as chopping, dicing, and slicing ingredients in culinary settings, to various cutting tasks in everyday life.

    The blade of a knife often possesses a pointed tip to facilitate piercing or carving actions, while its cutting edge can be plain or serrated, depending on its intended use. The handle of a knife offers a firm grip and control during handling, ensuring safer and more efficient operations.

    Knives come in diverse shapes and sizes, each designed for specific purposes. Common types of knives include chef's knives, paring knives, bread knives, and steak knives, among others. Additionally, specialized knives exist for activities like hunting, fishing, and survival.

    The value of a knife lies in its practicality and versatility as a tool, making it an essential item in both professional and domestic environments. Furthermore, knives have historical and cultural significance, symbolizing a multitude of concepts such as craftsmanship, precision, and even aggression when used as weapons.

  2. An instrument for cutting, consisting of a blade sharpened on one or both edges set in a handle.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Top Common Misspellings for KNIFE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for KNIFE

Etymology of KNIFE

The word knife has its origins in the Old English language and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word knifaz. This word is also related to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as the Old Norse word knífr and the Old High German word chnif. The Proto-Germanic word knifaz itself is believed to have evolved from the Proto-Indo-European root *skreibh-, meaning to cut or to carve. Over time, the pronunciation and spelling of the word slightly changed as it passed through different stages of linguistic development, eventually leading to the modern English word knife.

Idioms with the word KNIFE

  • put/stick the knife in, at put/stick the knife into sb The idiom "put/stick the knife in, at put/stick the knife into sb" is a figurative expression that means to criticize or betray someone, often in a harsh or hurtful way, by making negative comments or actions towards them. It implies causing emotional pain or damage to someone through acts of betrayal or hurtful words.
  • put/stick the knife into sb The idiom "put/stick the knife into someone" is an expression used to describe the act of betraying or harming someone who was previously trusted, often in a figurative or metaphorical sense. It refers to deliberately causing emotional, professional, or personal damage to someone, usually through deceitful or malicious actions.
  • twist/turn the knife (in the wound) The idiom "twist/turn the knife (in the wound)" refers to deliberately aggravating or intensifying someone's suffering or distress, usually by reminding them of a painful situation or making their situation worse. It implies a metaphorical act of inflicting additional pain or emotional distress on someone who is already hurting.
  • under the knife The idiom "under the knife" refers to someone undergoing a surgical procedure or being operated on in a medical context. It is often used to describe someone going through surgery, typically involving the use of a scalpel or other cutting instrument, for various medical reasons or treatments.
  • go under the knife The idiom "go under the knife" refers to undergoing surgery, typically a medical procedure where a scalpel or a similar instrument is used. It can be used figuratively to describe someone who is going to have a surgery or operation.
  • have your knife into sb The idiom "have your knife into someone" means to have a strong negative or hostile feeling towards a particular person. It suggests that the person is harboring bitterness, animosity, or a desire for revenge against the individual in question.
  • pull a gun, knife, etc. on sb The idiom "pull a gun, knife, etc. on someone" means to physically brandish or draw a firearm, knife, or any other weapon in a threatening or aggressive manner towards another person. It suggests the intention to harm, intimidate, or force the other person into compliance through the display of a weapon.
  • you could cut the atmosphere with a knife The idiom "you could cut the atmosphere with a knife" is used to describe an intense and palpable tension or hostility in a room or environment. It suggests that the atmosphere is so thick and heavy with negative emotions that it feels almost physical, as if you could slice through it with a knife.
  • put the knife in The idiom "put the knife in" refers to an action or behavior that causes harm, betrayal, or betrayal to someone, usually by intentionally worsening a situation or causing emotional pain. It implies a deliberate act of inflicting harm or causing additional damage to an already difficult or sensitive situation.
  • cut/go through sth like a (hot) knife through butter The idiom "cut/go through something like a (hot) knife through butter" is used to describe a task, process, or action that is very easy, smooth, or effortless. It implies that the person or thing involved effortlessly moves through or completes something without facing any resistance or obstacles, just as a knife easily cuts through butter without any difficulty.
  • cut through like a knife through butter The idiom "cut through like a knife through butter" means to effortlessly and quickly move through or overcome obstacles, difficulties, or resistance. It emphasizes smoothness, efficiency, and ease in accomplishing a task or making progress.
  • twist the knife The idiom "twist the knife" means to compound the pain or discomfort already inflicted on someone, typically in an emotional or psychological sense. It refers to deliberately exacerbating an already difficult situation or maximizing someone's anguish.
  • turn the knife The idiom "turn the knife" is a figurative expression that means to worsen or intensify an already painful or difficult situation for someone, often by making hurtful or critical comments, rehashing old wounds, or adding insult to injury. It implies causing additional emotional distress or aggravation to someone who is already suffering.
  • turn/twist the knife The idiom "turn/twist the knife" refers to aggravating or exacerbating a painful or sensitive situation, usually by saying or doing something that causes further distress or humiliation. It implies adding insult to injury or intensifying someone's emotional pain.
  • put/stick the knife in The idiom "put/stick the knife in" refers to intentionally causing harm or betraying someone, often emotionally or metaphorically, by saying or doing something hurtful or damaging. It implies acts of betrayal, backstabbing, or worsening an already difficult situation for someone.
  • not the sharpest knife in the drawer The idiom "not the sharpest knife in the drawer" is used to describe someone who is not particularly intelligent or clever. It implies that the person lacks sharpness or cognitive abilities.
  • put/stick the knife into somebody The idiom "put/stick the knife into somebody" means to intentionally harm or betray someone, either emotionally or metaphorically. It typically refers to someone deliberately causing damage or causing harm to another person's reputation, relationships, or well-being. This expression signifies a calculated act of aggression or betrayal against another individual.
  • like a knife through butter The idiom "like a knife through butter" means that something happens or is done with very little effort, ease, or resistance. It implies that a task is effortlessly completed or that an object easily cuts through something.
  • an atmosphere that you could cut with a knife The idiom "an atmosphere that you could cut with a knife" is used to describe an extremely tense or suffocating environment. It suggests that there is a heavy, palpable feeling of tension, hostility, or anticipation in the air, as if it was so thick one could physically cut through it.
  • a knife in the back The idiom "a knife in the back" is used to describe an act of betrayal or deceit, typically committed by someone whom the victim trusted or considered a friend. It implies a feeling of deep hurt, as if someone metaphorically stabbed you in the back with a knife, causing emotional or psychological damage.
  • Bread knife The idiom "bread knife" typically refers to a situation where one is confronted or faced with a difficult or challenging task or dilemma. It implies encountering a problem or issue that requires skill, precision, or tact to handle, similar to the way a bread knife is needed to slice through crusty bread without squashing it.
  • bring a knife to a gunfight The idiom "bring a knife to a gunfight" means to enter a situation or confrontation completely unprepared or ill-equipped, often resulting in a significant disadvantage. It implies being poorly equipped for a challenge or facing overwhelming odds, similar to using an inadequate tool or weapon when the situation demands something stronger.
  • cut through (something) like a (hot) knife through butter The idiom "cut through (something) like a (hot) knife through butter" means to effortlessly and swiftly move through or penetrate something with great ease or effectiveness. It suggests that the task, action, or process is executed smoothly, quickly, and without encountering any resistance.
  • like a hot knife through butter The idiom "like a hot knife through butter" is used to describe something that is done or accomplished very easily, smoothly, and effortlessly. It suggests that the action or process is so effortless and swift that it moves through any obstacles or difficulties as smoothly and effortlessly as a hot knife moves through butter.
  • you could cut it with a knife The idiom "you could cut it with a knife" is used to describe a tense or palpable atmosphere that is so thick or intense, it feels like it could be physically cut or sliced with a knife. It suggests a strong sense of tension, discomfort, or unease in a particular situation or environment.
  • play a good knife and fork The idiom "play a good knife and fork" means to possess good table manners or to eat with etiquette and proper decorum. It refers to someone who behaves well and knows how to handle cutlery and conduct themselves properly while dining.
  • get (one's)/the knife into (someone) The idiom "get (one's)/the knife into (someone)" refers to harboring strong feelings of resentment, hostility, or a desire for revenge against someone. It implies a personal and deliberate intention to harm or discredit the person in question.
  • have (one's) knife into (someone) To have one's knife into someone is an idiomatic expression that means to have a strong, often irrational, dislike or animosity towards someone. It implies a persistent desire or intention to harm or undermine the person in question, both physically or metaphorically. It typically involves personal grievances or conflicts that lead to hostility or antagonism.
  • get the knife into someone To "get the knife into someone" is an idiom that means to harbor strong feelings of resentment, hostility, or a desire to harm someone, either physically or metaphorically. It suggests a deep-seated animosity or a strong urge to inflict harm on an individual.
  • get your knife into somebody The idiom "get your knife into somebody" means to actively and persistently harbor ill feelings or animosity towards someone, and to constantly criticize, attack, or undermine them. It implies a strong desire to harm or damage someone's reputation or well-being.
  • long knife The idiom "long knife" typically refers to a hidden or concealed intent or motive to harm or betray someone. It signifies a hidden threat or danger within a seemingly friendly or harmless situation.
  • pull a knife The idiom "pull a knife" typically refers to the act of taking out or brandishing a knife, usually in a threatening or aggressive manner. It implies using the weapon as a means of asserting dominance, intimidating others, or causing harm.
  • stick the knife in The idiom "stick the knife in" is an expression used to describe someone purposefully or maliciously hurting, betraying, or criticizing another person, often in a blunt or harsh manner. It denotes an act of figuratively stabbing someone emotionally or mentally.
  • on a knife-edge The idiom "on a knife-edge" means being in a very tense or precarious situation where any small change or event could have significant consequences. It suggests that one is in a delicate and unstable position, similar to balancing on the edge of a sharp knife.
  • before you can say "knife" Before you can say knife means very quickly or suddenly.
  • knife-edge The idiom "knife-edge" refers to a situation or circumstance that is precarious or delicate, where the outcome could easily tip one way or another. It suggests a sense of tension, uncertainty, or volatility.

Similar spelling words for KNIFE

Plural form of KNIFE is KNIVES

Conjugate verb Knife

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have knifed
you would have knifed
he/she/it would have knifed
we would have knifed
they would have knifed
I would have knife
you would have knife
he/she/it would have knife
we would have knife
they would have knife

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been knifing
you would have been knifing
he/she/it would have been knifing
we would have been knifing
they would have been knifing

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be knifing
you would be knifing
he/she/it would be knifing
we would be knifing
they would be knifing

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be knifing
you will be knifing
he/she/it will be knifing
we will be knifing
they will be knifing

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been knifing
you will have been knifing
he/she/it will have been knifing
we will have been knifing
they will have been knifing

IMPERATIVE

you knife
we let´s knife

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to knife

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was knifing
you were knifing
he/she/it was knifing
we were knifing
they were knifing

PAST PARTICIPLE

knifed

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been knifing
you had been knifing
he/she/it had been knifing
we had been knifing
they had been knifing

PRESENT

I knife
you knife
he/she/it knifes
we knife
they knife

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am knifing
you are knifing
he/she/it is knifing
we are knifing
they are knifing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

knifing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have knifed
you have knifed
he/she/it has knifed
we have knifed
they have knifed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been knifing
you have been knifing
he/she/it has been knifing
we have been knifing
they have been knifing

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it knife

SIMPLE PAST

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

Infographic

Correct spelling for knife
Add the infographic to your website: