How Do You Spell TICK?

Pronunciation: [tˈɪk] (IPA)

The word "tick" is spelled with the letters T-I-C-K. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced /tɪk/. The "t" sound is an unvoiced consonant made by placing the tongue behind the teeth and releasing a burst of air. The "ɪ" sound is a short vowel in which the tongue is raised slightly towards the front of the mouth. The "k" sound is a voiceless consonant made by closing the back of the throat and releasing air. Together, these sounds create the word "tick".

TICK Meaning and Definition

  1. Tick (noun):

    1. A small, parasitic arachnid of the order Ixodida that feeds on the blood of animals and can transmit diseases, such as Lyme disease, to humans and animals. Ticks have a round or elongated body, eight legs, and a tough, chitinous exoskeleton. They typically attach themselves to the skin of their host by embedding their mouthparts to suck blood.

    2. A small mark or check used to indicate that an item, task, or option has been chosen, completed, or noted. It is typically represented with a short stroke or a symbol, such as a vertical or horizontal line, in various contexts, including checkboxes, voting ballots, or lists.

    3. A short, sharp sound or beat, usually repetitive or continuous, such as that produced by a clock or watch, indicating the passing of time. Tick can also refer to the characteristic sound produced by insects, such as crickets or lice.

    4. A momentary muscle contraction or twitch, especially when involuntary, often experienced as a slight movement or sensation under the skin.

    5. To be successful or to go smoothly, as an event or process, often used in the phrase "go like clockwork."

    6. Informal term used to describe a moment or a short period of time, emphasizing its brevity or rapid passing. For example, "We'll be back in a tick."

  2. A mite of the families Ixodidoe and Argasidoe, both of which contain many parasitic species which transmit pathogenic protozoa to man and the lower animals; so far as known only members of the family Argasidoe are injurious to man.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • An insect, a parasite on sheep, dogs, &c., a small bean used for feeding horses, &c.
    • To make a small quick noise; to make dots with the point of a pen; to beat, as a watch does.
    • The beat of a watch; a dot or small mark with the point of a pen.
    • The cover or case of a bed which contains the feathers, wool, or other stuffing.

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

Top Common Misspellings for TICK *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for TICK

Etymology of TICK

The word "tick" has multiple linguistic origins.

One origin is from Old English, where the word "ticia" referred to a parasite that attaches itself to animals. It was later modified to "ticce" before evolving into "tick" in Middle English. This use of "tick" specifically refers to blood-sucking arachnids like ticks.

Another origin of the word can be traced back to the Germanic word "tikkōną", which means to touch or pat lightly. This Germanic root gave rise to words like "tack" and "tickle", which share similar meanings of light touch or patting.

Furthermore, "tick" is also associated with the sound made by clocks or watches. It originated from the Old French word "tic" or "tic-tac", imitative of the sound produced by mechanical timepieces.

Idioms with the word TICK

  • tick away The idiom "tick away" refers to the passing of time or the gradual progress of a task or event, often characterized by a subtle, continuous, or steady movement. It conveys the idea of the seconds, minutes, or hours slipping away or progressing steadily, similar to the ticking sound of a clock.
  • tick off sth The idiom "tick off" means to list or enumerate things. It can also mean to make someone annoyed, irritated, or upset.
  • tick sb off The idiom "tick someone off" means to make someone annoyed, upset, or angry
  • tick sm off The idiom "tick someone off" refers to causing annoyance, frustration, or anger to someone. It means to provoke or irritate someone to the point of engaging a negative emotional response.
  • make sm or sth tick The idiom "make someone or something tick" refers to the act of understanding or figuring out someone or something. It means to comprehend or decipher what motivates, drives, or influences someone or something. It involves gaining insightful knowledge or awareness regarding the underlying workings or essence of a person or thing.
  • full as a tick The idiom "full as a tick" typically means to be completely or excessively full, similar to how a tick becomes engorged with blood after feeding on its host. It is often used to describe someone or something that is completely satisfied, filled to capacity, or bloated.
  • tick off The idiom "tick off" means to make someone annoyed, angry, or irritated by doing or saying something that upsets or bothers them.
  • tick all the/somebody’s boxes The idiom "tick all the/somebody’s boxes" means to meet or fulfill all of someone's criteria or requirements. It suggests that something or someone meets all the desired qualities or specifications needed for a particular situation or preference.
  • as tight as a tick The idiom "as tight as a tick" typically refers to something or someone that is extremely secure, firmly fixed, or tightly closed.
  • tick all the (right) boxes The idiom "tick all the (right) boxes" refers to meeting all the required criteria, fulfilling all the necessary conditions, or satisfying all the expectations or standards for something. It implies that all the essential elements have been addressed or achieved, leading to a positive outcome or approval.
  • get, buy, etc. something on tick The idiom "get, buy, etc. something on tick" refers to purchasing or obtaining something on credit. It means acquiring a product or service without immediately paying for it, with the understanding that payment will be made at a later date or in installments.
  • buy (something) on tick The idiom "buy (something) on tick" refers to purchasing or acquiring something on credit or an installment plan, where the buyer agrees to pay for it at a later date or in regular installments. It implies that the buyer does not have the immediate funds to make the complete payment, so they opt for this payment arrangement.
  • get (something) on tick The idiom "get (something) on tick" means to obtain or purchase something with the promise or expectation of paying for it later, typically through credit or installment payments. It implies acquiring goods or services on credit or on an informal arrangement where the payment is deferred.
  • go on tick The idiom "go on tick" is a colloquial expression that refers to the act of purchasing or obtaining something on credit, usually from a store or business. It implies the ability to make a deferred payment or delay settling a debt, usually with the expectation of paying it back later.
  • half a tick The idiom "half a tick" typically means a very short period of time or a brief moment.
  • what makes sth tick The definition of the idiom "what makes something tick" is to understand the essential factors or mechanisms that contribute to the functioning or success of something. It refers to the curiosity about the inner workings or the fundamental elements that drive or dictate the behavior of a person, system, organization, or object.
  • tick something off on your fingers The idiom "tick something off on your fingers" refers to counting or listing items by using one's fingers as a visual aid. It implies physically pointing out or representing different elements as a way to keep track or remember them. It is commonly used when someone is trying to recall or enumerate a specific set of things.
  • what makes sm tick The idiom "what makes someone tick" refers to understanding or discovering the underlying motivation, interests, or reasons behind someone's behavior or actions. It implies a desire to understand the individual's true nature or what drives them.
  • what makes sb tick The idiom "what makes someone tick" refers to understanding someone's motivations, desires, or interests, and what truly drives or influences their behavior or actions. It is about uncovering the underlying principles, beliefs, or values that shape a person's character or identity.
  • be as full as a boot/tick
  • half a minute, tick, second, etc. The idiom "half a minute, tick, second, etc." is used to indicate a very short amount of time or a momentary pause. It implies that something will be done or will happen quickly or shortly.

Similar spelling words for TICK

Plural form of TICK is TICKS

Conjugate verb Tick

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have ticked
you would have ticked
he/she/it would have ticked
we would have ticked
they would have ticked
I would have tick
you would have tick
he/she/it would have tick
we would have tick
they would have tick

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be ticking
you will be ticking
he/she/it will be ticking
we will be ticking
they will be ticking

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been ticking
you will have been ticking
he/she/it will have been ticking
we will have been ticking
they will have been ticking

IMPERATIVE

you tick
we let´s tick

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to tick

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was ticking
you were ticking
he/she/it was ticking
we were ticking
they were ticking

PAST PARTICIPLE

ticked

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been ticking
you had been ticking
he/she/it had been ticking
we had been ticking
they had been ticking

PRESENT

I tick
you tick
he/she/it ticks
we tick
they tick

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am ticking
you are ticking
he/she/it is ticking
we are ticking
they are ticking

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

ticking

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been ticking
you have been ticking
he/she/it has been ticking
we have been ticking
they have been ticking

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it tick

SIMPLE PAST

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

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