pinch — to squeeze tightly between finger and thumb
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to squeeze tightly between finger and thumb
Pronunciation (IPA): /pɪntʃ/
Example Sentences
- The recipe calls for just a pinch of humor and a lot of patience.
- I had to pinch myself when I won the lottery.
- My grandma always pinches my cheeks and says I'm too skinny.
pinch
VERB[/pɪntʃ/]
to squeeze tightly between finger and thumb
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'pinch' derives from Old French 'pinchier', meaning 'to prick' or 'to pinch'. The term evolved from its basic sense of gripping with the fingers to acquire extended meanings including 'a small amount' and 'to steal'.
Breakdown
The root 'pinchier' (Old French: to prick, pinch) forms the etymological base. The English verb developed through semantic extension from the physical action of pinching with fingers to figurative uses denoting quantity and theft.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The recipe calls for just a pinch of humor and a lot of patience.”
“I had to pinch myself when I won the lottery.”
“My grandma always pinches my cheeks and says I'm too skinny.”
“We're feeling the pinch since the prices went up.”
📚Related Words
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