How Do You Spell BACKBITING?

Pronunciation: [bˈakbɪtɪŋ] (IPA)

Backbiting is spelled with a double "b" in the middle, as it is derived from the verb "backbite". The first syllable "back" is pronounced as /bæk/, with a short "a" sound and a hard "k" at the end. The second syllable "bit" is pronounced as /bɪt/, with a short "i" sound and a soft "t". The final syllable "ing" is pronounced as /ɪŋ/, with a nasal "in" sound. The word means to speak unkindly about someone behind their back, often with the intention of causing harm.

BACKBITING Meaning and Definition

1. Backbiting is a term used to describe the act of making derogatory or malicious remarks about someone in their absence, usually with the intention of undermining their reputation. It involves speaking ill of another person behind their back, often in a secretive or gossip-like manner. Backbiting typically occurs within social groups or communities and may stem from jealousy, resentment, or personal vendettas against the person being spoken about.

   The main characteristic of backbiting is the deliberate intention to harm someone's reputation or impose negative perceptions upon them without their knowledge. This act is considered unethical, malicious, and deceitful, as it lacks transparency and authenticity. The backbiter often spreads rumors or exaggerates perceived flaws or mistakes of the target, with the aim of tarnishing their image or social standing.

   Backbiting can occur in various contexts, such as workplace environments, social events, or even within close-knit circles of friends and family. The harmful effects of backbiting can result in damaged relationships, loss of trust, and emotional distress for the person being backbitten. Additionally, it can create a toxic atmosphere within a community or group, breeding negativity, resentment, and conflicts.

   Overall, backbiting is an act of speaking ill of someone behind their back with the intent to harm their reputation or influence others negatively. It goes against principles of honesty, integrity, and respect for others, and is generally regarded as a detrimental behavior in interpersonal relationships.

2. The act of slandering the absent.

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

Common Misspellings for BACKBITING

• bakiting
• backbitting
• backriding
• vackbiting
• nackbiting
• hackbiting
• gackbiting
• bzckbiting
• bsckbiting
• bwckbiting
• bqckbiting
• baxkbiting
• bavkbiting
• bafkbiting
• badkbiting
• bacjbiting
• Backbyting
• Backbityng
• backpaiting
• backliteing
• backltting
• Backebiting
• Backbiating
• Backbiteng

Etymology of BACKBITING

The word "backbiting" originated from Middle English and can be traced back to the Old English term "bæcbytta". This compound word is formed by combining "bæc", meaning "back", and "bytta", meaning "a dwelling or abode". In the context of "backbiting", it refers to dwelling or remaining behind someone's back in order to speak ill of them or criticize them. Over time, "bæcbytta" evolved into "backbiting", maintaining its original meaning of maliciously talking about someone behind their back.

Similar spelling words for BACKBITING

• backbite,
• backbeat,
• backbiter.

Plural form of BACKBITING is BACKBITINGS

Conjugate verb Backbiting

CONDITIONAL

I would backbite

we would backbite

you would backbite

he/she/it would backbite

they would backbite

FUTURE

I will backbite

we will backbite

you will backbite

he/she/it will backbite

they will backbite

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have backbitten

we will have backbitten

you will have backbitten

he/she/it will have backbitten

they will have backbitten

PAST

I backbit

we backbit

you backbit

he/she/it backbit

they backbit

PAST PERFECT

I had backbitten

we had backbitten

you had backbitten

he/she/it had backbitten

they had backbitten

PRESENT

I backbite

we backbite

you backbite

he/she/it backbites

they backbite

PRESENT PERFECT

I have backbitten

we have backbitten

you have backbitten

he/she/it has backbitten

they have backbitten

I am backbiting

we are backbiting

you are backbiting

he/she/it is backbiting

they are backbiting

I was backbiting

we were backbiting

you were backbiting

he/she/it was backbiting

they were backbiting

I will be backbiting

we will be backbiting

you will be backbiting

he/she/it will be backbiting

they will be backbiting

I have been backbiting

we have been backbiting

you have been backbiting

he/she/it has been backbiting

they have been backbiting

I had been backbiting

we had been backbiting

you had been backbiting

he/she/it had been backbiting

they had been backbiting

I will have been backbiting

we will have been backbiting

you will have been backbiting

he/she/it will have been backbiting

they will have been backbiting

I would have backbitten

we would have backbitten

you would have backbitten

he/she/it would have backbitten

they would have backbitten

I would be backbiting

we would be backbiting

you would be backbiting

he/she/it would be backbiting

they would be backbiting

I would have been backbiting

we would have been backbiting

you would have been backbiting

he/she/it would have been backbiting

they would have been backbiting