The correct spelling of the phrase "give place" might seem straightforward, but it can be confusing for English learners. The first word, "give," is pronounced with a hard G sound and a short I as in "give" (IPA: /ɡɪv/). The second word, "place," is pronounced with a long A sound as in "race" and a soft S sound as in "face" (IPA: /pleɪs/). Together, the phrase means to yield or make room for someone or something else to take over.
Give place refers to yielding, stepping aside, or making room for someone or something else. It is an idiomatic expression that often connotes an act of allowing someone or something to take precedence or to take over a particular position or function. The phrase is commonly used in contexts that involve accommodating others, accepting change, or recognizing someone else's authority.
In a social or interpersonal context, give place can involve providing opportunities or advantages to others. For example, it can refer to allowing someone to advance in their career or granting them a chance to express their ideas or opinions. It embodies the concept of recognizing and respecting others' needs, desires, or abilities.
In a more literal sense, give place can simply mean physically making way for someone or something to take up space. It can involve physically stepping back, moving aside, or vacating a certain area to enable another person or object to occupy that space.
Regardless of the context, give place conveys the idea of humility, cooperation, and deference. It signifies a willingness to acknowledge others and their rights, priorities, or talents. At times, it can also imply the act of humbly stepping back from a position of power or authority to allow someone else to take charge.
The etymology of the phrase "give place" can be traced back to Old English.
The word "give" comes from the Old English word "giefan", which means "to give, grant, bestow". This word has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "geban", also meaning "to give".
The word "place" comes from the Old English word "plæse", which originally meant "an open space". It has its origins in the Proto-Germanic word "plats", meaning "a place, spot".
When combined, "give place" means to yield or make way for someone or something else, allowing them to take your place or position.