Gnaws Meaning in English
word · lemma: gnaw
Definition
To bite or chew something slowly, usually many times, often with the teeth. It can also be used figuratively when something bothers or worries someone repeatedly.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used with animals like mice or dogs. Figurative use: 'gnaws at' means a worry or feeling that persists (e.g., 'Guilt gnaws at him'). Not used for quick or large bites; 'bite' or 'chew' are the basic terms.
Spanish: roer - carcomer (sentido figurado)Portuguese (BR): roer - corroer (sentido figurado)Portuguese (PT): roer - corroer (sentido figurado)Chinese (Simplified): 啃咬 - 折磨（比喻用法）Chinese (Traditional): 啃咬 - 折磨（比喻用法）Hindi: कुतरना - परेशान करना (भावनात्मक अर्थ में)Arabic: يقضم - يزعج (مجازيًا)Bengali: কামড়ানো - চিবানোRussian: грызётJapanese: かじるVietnamese: gặmKorean: 갉다Turkish: kemirmekUrdu: چبانا - کاٹنا (آہستہ آہستہ)Indonesian: menggerogoti - mengunyah (perlahan)
Example Sentences
The fear of failure gnaws at her every day.
natural
The mouse gnaws on the cheese every night.
basic
My dog gnaws his bone for hours.
basic
The rabbit gnaws on carrots in the garden.
basic
He never talks about what gnaws at him inside.
natural
Something gnaws at the back of my mind, but I can't figure out what it is.
natural