Gift (noun) — an item given without expecting anything in return, often bought in shops or online to celebrate birthdays, holidays or milestones. It may also refer to innate capacity or talent, such as being gifted in music.
How to Pronounce “Gift”?
Audio (UK):
Audio (US):
It’s a short, crisp word with a clear g sound at the start and a soft t at the end — gift. Practice saying it slowly, then faster, keeping the vowel sound short.
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How to Use “Gift” in a Sentence
The examples below reveal how “gift” typically appears in ordinary English speech and writing.
What Are Synonyms for the Word “Gift”?
“Gift” synonyms assist you in making your writing and speech more colorful and rich. Here are some useful options:
Related nouns: present offering donation contribution
Synonyms (contextual): token of appreciation reward endowment talent
Common collocations: give a gift receive a gift birthday gift wedding gift
“Gift” Word Formation and Description in Context
It is possible to use the word “gift” with other parts of speech to talk about occasions, abilities, or the process of giving.
With adjectives: generous gift special gift thoughtful gift unexpected gift
With verbs: give a gift wrap a gift accept a gift exchange gifts
With nouns (noun + noun): gift box gift shop gift card gift bag
Idioms and Phrases with “Gift”
The definition of a “gift” is somehow altered by how the word is said or the context of the saying. The following are some of the idioms and phrases common to the native speakers:
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Gift of the gab is a natural gift used to speak with confidence and persuasion.
Liam’s got thegift of the gab; he could talk anyone into anything.
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God’s gift (to someone) is a sarcastic or humorous expression to define a person who considers himself to be excessively gifted or attractive.
He acts like he’s God’sgift to women, but no one takes him seriously. -
Gift horse appears in the saying “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth,” which means you should not criticize something you receive for free.
It wasn’t exactly what I wanted, but I didn’t complain — never look agift horse in the mouth. -
Natural gift describes an inborn talent or special ability.
She has a naturalgift for painting that impresses everyone who sees her work.
It’s Time for a Quick “Gift” Review Quiz!
Practice using “gift” by completing this quick and engaging quiz designed to strengthen your understanding of how the word works in real-life English.
Enjoy personalized learning!
“Gift” Word in Other Languages
To add some international flair to your vocabulary, find out how to say “gift” in other European languages.
| Language | Word for “Gift” |
|---|---|
Spanish |
Regalo |
French |
Cadeau |
German |
Geschenk |
Unusual Facts You May Not Know About “Gift”
One of the most enjoyable ways to remember and define a “gift” is through curious and fun facts. Here are some of the most interesting ones:
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“Gift” has a surprising meaning in German
In English, gift means a present or a talent, but in German, Gift actually means poison. So, giving someone a “gift” in Germany could cause some confusion — and possibly alarm! -
The world’s largest Christmas gift was the Statue of Liberty
France gave the Statue of Liberty to the United States in 1886 as a symbol of friendship. It is more than 200 tons, and it is one of the most well-known gifts of all time. -
Gift-giving traditions differ widely across cultures
In Japan, gifts are wrapped with great precision, often more valuable for their presentation than the item itself. In contrast, in some European countries, opening a gift immediately in front of the giver is considered impolite. -
The act of gift-giving boosts happiness
According to psychologists, when a gift is given, the brain reward centers become stimulated, which gives one a sense of happiness and bonding. Research has found that generosity usually causes more happiness to the person giving it than to the one who receives it. -
The word “gift” comes from Old Norse roots
The English word gift traces back to the Old Norse gipt, meaning “something given.” The fact that it is old shows the way the concept of giving has been integrated into human culture over the centuries.
Memorable Quotes Including “Gift”
Gift is a common term used in literature, philosophy and social commentary, and it represents generosity, talent, and the relationship between humanity. The quotes below include “gift” in English and show what it tells us about life and values.
— John C. Maxwell
Explanation: Maxwell compares natural power to moral power and it is what we do with our natural gift that makes us who we are.
— Pablo Picasso
Explanation: This quote emphasizes the dualism of the human potential, finding an individual talent and sharing it. The concept of gift is connected by Picasso to self-realization and generosity.
— Albert Einstein
Explanation: Through these words, Einstein shows that he treasured imagination rather than knowledge. According to him, fantasy is a path to exploration and invention that facts can never achieve.
