How Do You Spell BACKBITE?

Pronunciation: [bˈakba͡ɪt] (IPA)

Backbite is spelled as /ˈbæk.baɪt/ in IPA phonetic transcription. It is a verb that means to say unpleasant, often unkind things about someone behind their back. The spelling of the word "backbite" can be broken down into its syllables "back" and "bite". The "back" part refers to doing something behind someone's back while "bite" means to attack or hurt. Hence, the spelling of "backbite" accurately depicts the act of attacking someone verbally behind their back.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
Conjugate verb
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BACKBITE Meaning and Definition

  1. Backbite is a verb that refers to the act of speaking ill or making unfair criticism of someone behind their back, especially in a secretive or malicious manner. It involves maliciously attacking a person's character, reputation, or actions when they are not present to defend themselves or provide context. Backbiting often entails spreading rumors, making false accusations, or undermining someone's credibility to tarnish their image or incite harm against them.

    Engaging in backbiting behavior is generally considered a negative trait, as it promotes deceit, betrayal, and unhealthy relationships. It implies a lack of integrity, respect, and empathy for others, as it is done without any consideration for the consequences of one's words. Backbiting is a form of gossip or slander that can lead to misunderstandings, strained relationships, and even psychological harm to the individual being targeted.

    In a broader sense, backbiting can also extend to groups or organizations, where secret dissent or criticism is expressed without attempting to resolve issues through open communication or collaboration. This act of purposely creating division and animosity further exemplifies the damaging nature of backbiting.

    To foster a healthier and more supportive environment, it is important to discourage backbiting and instead encourage open and honest dialogue. It involves promoting empathy, understanding, and constructive ways of addressing conflicts or concerns without resorting to undermining others behind their back.

  2. To slander; to speak ill of a person behind his back.

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

Common Misspellings for BACKBITE

Etymology of BACKBITE

The word "backbite" is derived from the combination of the Middle English word "bakbiten", which means "to bite behind", and the Old English word "bæc", which means "back". The term originated from the literal action of biting someone behind their back, symbolic of talking negatively or derogatorily about them without their knowledge or presence. Over time, the word "backbite" has become figurative, representing the act of slandering or speaking ill of someone in their absence.

Similar spelling words for BACKBITE

Conjugate verb Backbite

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

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

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

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

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be backbiting
you will be backbiting
he/she/it will be backbiting
we will be backbiting
they will be backbiting
I will be backbitting
you will be backbitting
he/she/it will be backbitting
we will be backbitting
they will be backbitting

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been backbiting
you will have been backbiting
he/she/it will have been backbiting
we will have been backbiting
they will have been backbiting
I will have been backbitting
you will have been backbitting
he/she/it will have been backbitting
we will have been backbitting
they will have been backbitting

IMPERATIVE

you backbite
we let´s backbite

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to backbite

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was backbiting
you were backbiting
he/she/it was backbiting
we were backbiting
they were backbiting
I was backbitting
you were backbitting
he/she/it was backbitting
we were backbitting
they were backbitting

PAST PARTICIPLE

backbitten

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been backbiting
you had been backbiting
he/she/it had been backbiting
we had been backbiting
they had been backbiting
I had been backbitting
you had been backbitting
he/she/it had been backbitting
we had been backbitting
they had been backbitting

PRESENT

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

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am backbiting
you are backbiting
he/she/it is backbiting
we are backbiting
they are backbiting
I am backbitting
you are backbitting
he/she/it is backbitting
we are backbitting
they are backbitting

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

backbiting
backbitting

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been backbiting
you have been backbiting
he/she/it has been backbiting
we have been backbiting
they have been backbiting
I have been backbitting
you have been backbitting
he/she/it has been backbitting
we have been backbitting
they have been backbitting

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it backbite

SIMPLE PAST

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

Infographic

Correct spelling for backbite
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