chews - Master This Word
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chews Word Meanings
- to break food into smaller pieces with the teeth
- to think about something carefully
- to gnaw or bite something repetitively
chews Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
chews Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/tʃuː/
US
/tʃu/
chews Word Etymology
chew = ch- (chew) + ew = to bite. Originated from Old English 'ceowan', which means 'to chew'. Imagine a cow munching grass, moving its jaws rhythmically.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
To chew means to bite and break food into smaller pieces with your teeth, often using a steady, rhythmic motion. It also appears with foods like gum or carrots when you chew slowly or thoroughly. Beyond the physical act, chew is used metaphorically: to chew on a problem means to think about it carefully for a period of time, weighing options before deciding. A third sense describes gnawing or biting something repetitively, such as a puppy chewing a shoe. Learners should note that chew emphasizes sustained action and can pair with prepositions like on/about, and that chew is more general than bite, which is a single bite event.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: 1) not a single bite, 2) often followed by on/over, 3) can describe thinking, 4) used with gum and food, 5) avoid confusing with bite when referring to ideas
Common Misconceptions
- Chew always means thinking; it does not when used about food.
- Chew and bite are interchangeable for one quick action.
- Chew cannot describe repetitive nibbling.
- Chew cannot be used with on or over in metaphors.
- Chew never describes the sound of chewing on food.
Thinking Differences
Think in English terms about process and duration; English emphasizes ongoing actions and idioms. Learners often over-extend chew to single momentary bites or forget the metaphorical use.
Learning Tips
- Practice with both physical and metaphorical senses: chew food and chew over ideas.
- Pair chew with on and over to signal thinking.
- Compare with bite to highlight duration vs. moment.
- Use chewing gum or carrots to reinforce physical sense.
- Notice common phrasal verbs like chew over and chew on.
- Record yourself saying sentences to capture breath and rhythm.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
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