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lick into shape

lick in·to shape
L l

Transcription

    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • UK Pronunciation
    • UK IPA
    • [lik in-too sheyp]
    • /lɪk ˈɪn tu ʃeɪp/
    • /lɪk ˈɪntə ʃeɪp/
    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [lik in-too sheyp]
    • /lɪk ˈɪn tu ʃeɪp/

Definitions of lick into shape words

  • verb with object lick into shape to pass the tongue over the surface of, as to moisten, taste, or eat (often followed by up, off, from, etc.): to lick a postage stamp; to lick an ice-cream cone. 1
  • verb with object lick into shape to make, or cause to become, by stroking with the tongue: to lick a spoon clean. 1
  • verb with object lick into shape (of waves, flames, etc.) to pass or play lightly over: The flame licked the dry timber. 1
  • verb with object lick into shape Informal. to hit or beat, especially as a punishment; thrash; whip. to overcome or defeat, as in a fight, game, or contest. to outdo or surpass. 1
  • verb without object lick into shape to move quickly or lightly. 1
  • noun lick into shape a stroke of the tongue over something. 1
See all 20 definitions of lick into shape

Information block about the term

Origin of lick into shape

First appearance:

before 1000
One of the 6% oldest English words
before 1000; Middle English; Old English liccian, cognate with Old Saxon liccōn, Old High German leckōn; akin to Go bilaigon, Latin lingere, Greek leíchein to lick (up)

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Lick into shape

noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
Full grammatical hierarchy of Lick into shape

lick into shape popularity

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 86% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".

lick into shape usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for lick into shape

verb lick into shape

  • tutor — a person employed to instruct another in some branch or branches of learning, especially a private instructor.
  • teach — to impart knowledge of or skill in; give instruction in: She teaches mathematics. Synonyms: coach.
  • train — Railroads. a self-propelled, connected group of rolling stock.
  • hone — a whetstone of fine, compact texture for sharpening razors and other cutting tools.
  • educate — to develop the faculties and powers of (a person) by teaching, instruction, or schooling. Synonyms: instruct, school, drill, indoctrinate.
All 110 Synonyms of lick into shape

Antonyms for lick into shape

verb lick into shape

  • listen — to give attention with the ear; attend closely for the purpose of hearing; give ear.
  • learn — to acquire knowledge of or skill in by study, instruction, or experience: to learn French; to learn to ski.
  • accept — If you accept something that you have been offered, you say yes to it or agree to take it.
  • ignore — to refrain from noticing or recognizing: to ignore insulting remarks.
  • neglect — to pay no attention or too little attention to; disregard or slight: The public neglected his genius for many years.
All 32 Antonyms of lick into shape

See also

Matching words

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