Gift
/ɡɪft/
Definitions
3 meaningsSomething that is given to someone, typically without the expectation of payment or return.
/ɡɪft/
Something given voluntarily without payment.
She received a beautiful necklace as a gift.
💡 Simply: A gift is like a present – something nice someone gives you because they like you, or to say thank you, or for a special day like your birthday. It's a kind gesture!
👶 For kids: A gift is something special you get, like a toy or a drawing, that someone gives you because they like you!
More Examples
The company gave its employees a gift of a bonus.
He wrapped the gift carefully before giving it to her.
How It's Used
"He received a gift from his friends on his birthday."
"The store offered a free gift with every purchase."
A natural talent or special ability.
/ɡɪft/
A natural ability or talent.
He had a gift for storytelling.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone is really, really good at something without even trying. Like, they can sing perfectly or paint amazing pictures without much practice. That's a gift!
👶 For kids: A gift can also be something you're really good at, like singing or drawing, that comes easy to you!
More Examples
Her gift for languages made her a successful translator.
The new employee showed a gift for problem-solving.
How It's Used
"She has a gift for music."
"He showed a natural gift for basketball."
To present someone with a gift or talent.
/ɡɪft/
To present with a gift.
The company gifted the employee a bonus.
💡 Simply: To gift someone means to give them something, either a physical present or a talent. Like, you might 'gift' your friend a book for their birthday, or say someone was 'gifted' with amazing artistic talent.
👶 For kids: To gift means to give something special to someone!
More Examples
The university gifted him with a full scholarship.
The artist was gifted with the ability to paint.
How It's Used
"She was gifted with a scholarship."
"The queen gifted the knight with land."
Synonyms
Boon
Bounty
Donation
Ability
Aptitude
Capability
Endow
Idioms & expressions
a gift horse
Something you should not question or look too closely at when received.
"He was reluctant to accept the offer, but I told him not to look a gift horse in the mouth."
the gift of the gab
A talent for speaking persuasively or fluently.
"As a salesperson, she certainly has the gift of the gab."
From Old Norse *giptr* (noun) and *gefa* (verb), meaning 'to give' or 'a giving'. The word entered English around the 13th century.
The word 'gift' has been used since the 13th century in Middle English, initially to refer to a giving or offering.
Memory tip
Think of a present you give or receive.