Toss

Definition

Toss typically refers to the act of throwing something lightly or carelessly.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English:

• IPA Pronunciation: /tɔs/
• Respelling: TAWSS (with "TAWSS" rhyming with "sauce" and "loss")

British English:

• IPA Pronunciation: /tɒs/
• Respelling: TOSS (similar to American English, with "TOSS" rhyming with "boss" and "cross")

In American English, "toss" typically has a slightly rounded vowel sound, similar to "sauce" or "loss." In British English, the vowel sound is usually more open, akin to the vowels in "boss" or "cross." The overall pronunciation is quite similar, with the primary distinction being in the quality of the vowel sound.

Etymology

The term "toss" is derived from the Old English "tosslan," meaning to tumble, and from the Middle English "tossen," which means to turn over or throw about.

Derivatives

• Tosser
• Tossing
• Toss-up
• Tossed
• Tossable

Synonyms

• Throw
• Hurl
• Fling

Antonyms

• Hold
• Keep
• Retain

Usage

• "Toss" is frequently used to describe a casual or nonchalant action of throwing.
• It can also refer to the movement of objects, like the tossing of a ship on waves.
• In some contexts, it denotes a decision made by random chance, like a coin toss.

Related Terms

• Pitch
• Cast
• Chuck
• Lob
• Heave

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Throw Lightly or Casually: To throw something in a casual or nonchalant manner, often without precise direction.
• Example: He tossed the keys onto the table.

• Agitate or Move: To be moved about vigorously or without rest, often due to an external force.
• Example: The ship was tossed by the stormy seas.

• Make a Decision by Chance: To determine an outcome by a means of random selection, often involving the flipping of a coin.
• Example: Let's toss a coin to decide.

Noun

• An Act of Tossing: The action or instance of tossing something.
• Example: With a single toss, she landed the ring on the peg.

• An Agitated Movement: A rough movement caused by external forces.
• Example: The toss of the boat made everyone uneasy.

• Result of a Random Selection: The result of a random choice, especially a coin flip.
• Example: The toss went in her favor, so she got to choose first.