backbite Meaning & Definition
What Does Backbite Mean?
Backbite is used as a verb meaning To make spiteful slanderous or defamatory statements about someone. It is also used to mean To attack from behind or when out of earshot with spiteful or defamatory remarks. As a noun, it means One who engages in backbiting; a backbiter.
Backbite at a Glance
| Part of speech | verb, noun |
|---|---|
| Plural | backbites |
| Verb forms | backbites, backbiting, backbit, backbitten |
Backbite Definition (Verb)
- To make spiteful slanderous or defamatory statements about someone.
- To attack from behind or when out of earshot with spiteful or defamatory remarks.
- To speak badly of an absent individual.
Backbite as a Noun
- One who engages in backbiting; a backbiter.
Synonyms of Backbite
The source does not list synonyms for this entry.
Backbite synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Backbite
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Backbite in a Sentence
No example sentences are available for this entry.
Word Forms & Grammar
backbite (third-person singular simple present backbites, present participle backbiting, simple past backbit, past participle backbitten)
backbite (plural backbites)
Words That Rhyme With Backbite
Origin of Backbite
From Middle English bakbiten, bacbiten, equivalent to back- + bite. Cognate with Icelandic bakbíta (“to backbite, vilify”).
Quick Answers About Backbite
Is backbite a verb or a noun?
Backbite is mainly used as a verb, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is the plural of backbite?
The plural of backbite is backbites.
What is the past tense of backbite?
The past tense of backbite is backbit and the past participle is backbitten. The present participle is backbiting.
More About Backbite On Meaning Stash
More Words Starting With “Back”
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