Tic

Pronunciation: /tɪk/

Definitions of tic

noun a characteristic behavioral trait; idiosyncrasy

Example Sentences

A1 She has a nervous tic where she blinks rapidly.

A2 The clock on the wall made a loud tic every second.

B1 His facial tic became more pronounced when he was stressed.

B2 The tic in his eye was a result of fatigue and lack of sleep.

C1 The tic in his hand was a constant reminder of his childhood injury.

C2 Despite his tic, he was able to deliver a flawless presentation.

Examples of tic in a Sentence

formal The patient exhibited a facial tic during the neurological examination.

informal She always has this little tic of tapping her foot when she's nervous.

slang I can't stand that guy's tic of constantly interrupting people.

figurative The ticking clock was like a tic, a constant reminder of the passing time.

Grammatical Forms of tic

• past tense: ticked
• plural: tics
• comparative: more tic
• superlative: most tic
• present tense: tick
• future tense: will tick
• perfect tense: have ticked
• continuous tense: is ticking
• singular: tic
• positive degree: tic
• infinitive: to tick
• gerund: ticking
• participle: ticking

Origin and Evolution of tic

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Old French

Story behind the word: The word 'tic' originated from the Old French word 'ticquet' which means a small tap or beat.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'tic' has come to be used to describe a sudden, repetitive, non-rhythmic motor movement or vocalization.