tips - Master This Word
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tips Word Meanings
- a small amount of money given as a reward for service
- a piece of advice or useful information
- to tilt or to provide an advantage
tips Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
tips Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/tɪp/
US
/tɪp/
tips Word Etymology
tip = tilt + 'to lean'; possibly from Old French 'tipper' = to tilt; imagine a server leaning over with a plate of food to deliver it.
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 InputEnglish Brain Route
I lean forward, push the chair back a little, and move a handful of coins toward the edge of the table. I set a small tip on the bill and watch the light catch it. The waitress nods and shares a quick tip about a practical shortcut for the day, and I adjust my plans accordingly. That small tilt of kindness and information stays with me as I walk away.
Real Context
Tip is a versatile English word with three core senses: a small amount of money given after service (gratuity); a piece of advice or useful information; and a verb meaning to tilt something or to tilt a balance in one's favor. Learners often mix up the money sense with the advice sense, or treat tip only as a hint rather than practical guidance. Note also the plural tips for gratuities, and phrasal uses like tip off or tip over. Contexts range from dining and hospitality to professional guidance, travel planning, and tipping etiquette across different countries.
Usage Reminders
- Tip vs tips distinction; remember the money sense uses gratuity; beware phrases like tip off; use tip to mean advice in formal writing; plural tips for multiple gratuities; avoid using tip to mean hint alone; learn phrasal verbs with tip; avoid translating tip as 'hint' in contexts about money; practice in real situations; note regional tipping norms.
Common Misconceptions
- Tip always means money; it never means advice
- Tip and tip-off are the same as a hint
- You must tip in every country
- Tip is only a noun, never a verb
- Tips cannot be pluralized
Thinking Differences
In English, tip covers money, advice, and a physical action (tilting). Learners often translate tip as only money or as a hint; they may miss the verb sense or misapply it to money contexts. English relies on pluralization tips for multiple gratuities and on many phrasal forms, which can be tricky for learners whose languages use one noun form.
Learning Tips
- Collocate tip with money contexts (tip, tipping), and with advice (a useful tip).
- Practice phrasal forms: tip off, tip over, tip someone off.
- Remember plural tips for multiple gratuities.
- Distinguish tip as advice in formal writing.
- Learn culturally specific tipping norms by country.
- Use authentic examples in travel, service, and professional contexts.
Related Listening
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