WHITTLE Meaning and
Definition
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Whittle is a verb that refers to the action of carefully cutting or fashioning wood, typically using a knife, in order to thin, shape or carve it into a desired object or figure. This term is often associated with the skilled craftsmanship of sculpting or carving with intricate detail.
When one uses a knife to whittle, they remove small shavings or chips of wood gradually, carefully shaping it into a particular form. This process involves precision, patience, and skill to achieve the desired outcome. Whittling can be done to create a wide range of items, from practical tools like spoons or walking sticks, to decorative objects like figurines or ornamental items.
Traditionally, whittling has been a popular pastime and art form, often practiced by skilled artisans or hobbyists as a means of expressing their creativity and craftsmanship. It has also served as a way to relax and unwind, with its repetitive and meditative nature.
In a broader sense, the term "whittle" can be used metaphorically to describe the gradual reduction or narrowing of something, such as the whittling down of a list or a budget. It implies a careful and deliberate process of elimination or refinement.
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• To cut or pare sticks for amusement.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for WHITTLE *
* 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 WHITTLE
Etymology of WHITTLE
The word "whittle" originates from the Old English word "hwitlan", which means to "cut with a knife" or "carve". It is believed to be derived from the Proto-Germanic word "hwitjaną", meaning "to whittle" or "to sharpen". The root of the word, "hwit", refers to something being white or bright, probably alluding to the act of shaving or cutting away small pieces, revealing the pale color beneath. Over time, "hwitlan" transformed into "whittle", and the term is still commonly used to describe the act of carving or shaping wood with a knife.
Idioms with the word WHITTLE
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whittle down
The idiom "whittle down" means to gradually reduce or diminish the size, number, or complexity of something through a process of elimination, refinement, or careful attention. It can refer to paring down options or choices, streamlining a process or system, or cutting away unnecessary or excessive elements to achieve a desired outcome.
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whittle away
The idiom "whittle away" refers to the gradual or steady reduction, decrease, or diminishment of something, typically through small, incremental actions or processes. It often implies the notion of wearing down or slowly diminishing the size, quantity, or importance of someone or something over time.
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whittle sm down to size
The idiom "whittle somebody down to size" means to humble or reduce someone's pride, arrogance, or self-importance by criticizing, challenging, or defeating them. It suggests bringing someone back to a more realistic or manageable level, often through a process of confrontation or overcoming obstacles.
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whittle sth down
The idiom "whittle something down" means to gradually reduce or diminish the size, amount, or complexity of something. It typically refers to a methodical process of trimming or cutting away unnecessary or unwanted parts, eventually reaching a more manageable or concise state.
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whittle at sth
To "whittle at something" means to gradually and persistently reduce or diminish it. Just like the act of whittling wood, where small pieces are patiently and consistently shaved off, this idiom implies slowly chipping away or making gradual progress in achieving or reducing something. It suggests a methodical and patient approach towards accomplishing a goal or making gradual improvements.
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whittle sth out of sth
The idiom "whittle something out of something" means to carve or shape something from a larger material using a knife or other similar tools. It implies the act of carefully and skillfully removing small pieces from the material to create a desired object or shape. Additionally, it can be used metaphorically to describe the process of gradually achieving or creating something through persistent effort and dedication.
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whittle sth down (to size)
The idiom "whittle something down (to size)" means to gradually reduce or decrease something, typically by eliminating or getting rid of unnecessary or unimportant aspects, until it reaches a desired or appropriate size or quantity. It implies the process of carefully and systematically simplifying or refining something.
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whittle sth away
The idiom "whittle sth away" means to gradually reduce or diminish something, especially by continuous work, effort, or gradual erosion. It often refers to the slow but steady depletion or elimination of a resource, such as time, money, or power.
Similar spelling words for WHITTLE
- wheatley,
- Whitelow,
- whitehill,
- Whitley,
- whitwell,
- Whitely,
- white lie,
- whitehall,
- whitlow,
- whiteley,
- whatley,
- Whitelaw,
- wheedle.
Conjugate verb Whittle
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have whittled
you
would have whittled
he/she/it
would have whittled
we
would have whittled
they
would have whittled
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been whittling
you
would have been whittling
he/she/it
would have been whittling
we
would have been whittling
they
would have been whittling
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would whittle
you
would whittle
he/she/it
would whittle
we
would whittle
they
would whittle
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be whittling
you
would be whittling
he/she/it
would be whittling
we
would be whittling
they
would be whittling
FUTURE
I
will whittle
you
will whittle
he/she/it
will whittle
we
will whittle
they
will whittle
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be whittling
you
will be whittling
he/she/it
will be whittling
we
will be whittling
they
will be whittling
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have whittled
you
will have whittled
he/she/it
will have whittled
we
will have whittled
they
will have whittled
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been whittling
you
will have been whittling
he/she/it
will have been whittling
we
will have been whittling
they
will have been whittling
IMPERATIVE
we
Let´s whittle
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was whittling
you
were whittling
he/she/it
was whittling
we
were whittling
they
were whittling
PAST PARTICIPLE
whittled
PAST PERFECT
I
had whittled
you
had whittled
he/she/it
had whittled
we
had whittled
they
had whittled
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been whittling
you
had been whittling
he/she/it
had been whittling
we
had been whittling
they
had been whittling
PRESENT
I
whittle
you
whittle
he/she/it
whittles
we
whittle
they
whittle
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am whittling
you
are whittling
he/she/it
is whittling
we
are whittling
they
are whittling
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
whittling
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have whittled
you
have whittled
he/she/it
has whittled
we
have whittled
they
have whittled
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been whittling
you
have been whittling
he/she/it
has been whittling
we
have been whittling
they
have been whittling
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
whittle
SIMPLE PAST
I
whittled
you
whittled
he/she/it
whittled
we
whittled
they
whittled
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