Swallow

Definition

Swallow can refer to the action of causing or allowing something, especially food or drink, to move from the mouth down into the stomach or simply to accept or tolerate a situation. It's also the name of a type of bird with pointed wings and a forked tail, known for its swift flight.

Parts of Speech

• Verb (to swallow)
• Noun (a swallow)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈswɑloʊ/
• Respelling: SWAHL-oh (with "SWAHL" as in "swan" and "oh" as in "oh")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈswɒləʊ/
• Respelling: SWOL-oh (with "SWOL" as in "swan" but with a shorter "o" sound, and "oh" like in "oh")

In both dialects, "swallow" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable. The main difference lies in the vowel sound of the first syllable, which is slightly deeper in American English compared to the shorter "o" sound in British English. The final "oh" sound is similar in both accents.

Etymology

The verb "swallow" derives from Old English swelgan (to swallow), from Proto-Germanic swelganą (to swallow), and further from Proto-Indo-European swelg- (to swallow). The noun "swallow" (bird) has its roots in Old English swealwe, from Proto-Germanic swalwō.

Derivatives

• Swallower (noun)
• Swallowable (adjective)
• Swallowed (verb, past tense)
• Swallowing (verb, gerund)
• Unswallowed (adjective)

Synonyms

• Verb (to swallow):
• Ingest
• Consume
• Imbibe
• Noun (a swallow):
• None

Antonyms

• Verb (to swallow):
• Regurgitate
• Expel
• Eject
• Noun (a swallow):
• None

Usage

"Swallow" is a common term used in both literal and figurative senses when referring to acceptance, ingestion, or toleration of a situation. The term can also refer to a type of bird known for its swift flight.

Related Terms

• Ingest
• Consume
• Bird species
• Avian

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Ingestion: To cause or allow something, especially food or drink, to go down the throat and into the stomach.
• Example: He can't swallow solid food without choking.

• Acceptance: To accept or tolerate a situation.
• Example: She found the insult hard to swallow.

Noun

• Bird Species: A type of bird with pointed wings and a forked tail, known for its swift flight.
• Example: We watched the swallows darting around the old barn.