Backbiting

Pronunciation: /ˈbækˌbaɪtɪŋ/

Definitions of backbiting

noun the action or practice of speaking maliciously about someone when they are not present

Example Sentences

verb to speak maliciously about someone when they are not present

Example Sentences

A1 She doesn't like backbiting because it's not nice.

A2 He was caught backbiting about his colleagues behind their backs.

B1 Backbiting is a common problem in many workplaces, causing tension and mistrust.

B2 It's important to address backbiting behavior in a team to maintain a positive work environment.

C1 The politician was known for his backbiting tactics to undermine his opponents.

C2 Backbiting can be a destructive force in relationships, leading to resentment and conflict.

Examples of backbiting in a Sentence

formal Backbiting is a form of malicious gossip that can harm someone's reputation.

informal I heard there was a lot of backbiting going on in the office.

slang Stop all the backbiting and just speak directly to each other.

figurative The backbiting between the two rival companies was getting out of control.

Grammatical Forms of backbiting

• past tense: backbit
• plural: backbitings
• comparative: more backbiting
• superlative: most backbiting
• present tense: backbites
• future tense: will backbite
• perfect tense: have backbitten
• continuous tense: is backbiting
• singular: backbiting
• positive degree: backbiting
• infinitive: to backbite
• gerund: backbiting
• participle: backbitten

Origin and Evolution of backbiting

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'backbiting' originated from the Old English term 'bæcbitan' which meant to slander or speak ill of someone behind their back.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'backbiting' has retained its original meaning of speaking negatively about someone behind their back, but it has also come to encompass gossiping or spreading rumors about others in a malicious manner.