What does "backbiting" mean?
The action of slandering a person without that person's knowledge.
Backbiting
adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·3 syllables ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The action of slandering a person without that person's knowledge.
- Grammar: backbiting is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: abuse, animadversion, aspersion, backbiter.
- Useful contrasts: affirmation, candor, courteous.
- Usage evidence: The president-elect's cabinet selection process appeared in disarray, even as his fawning acolytes disputed multiple news reports of backbiting, vendettas, infighting and persistent, bitter acrimony. With the constantly ongoing palace intrigue, it was difficult to know for certain who was in charge.
How to use "backbiting"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "backbiting" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "backbiting" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "backbiting" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "backbiting" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "backbiting" is acting as adj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abuse" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The action of slandering a person without that person's knowledge. countable, uncountable
"[…]ending his epistle by saying, "that his uncle having doubtless lent his ear to some old woman's tales and backbiting, he did not choose to place his property in the hands of a spendthrift,[…]"
Verb
- 1 present participle and gerund of backbite form-of, gerund, participle, present
Adjective
- 1 Slanderous or speaking badly, especially of a person without that person's knowledge.
"Backbiting talk that flattering blabs know wily how to blenge."
Antonyms
Example
"The president-elect's cabinet selection process appeared in disarray, even as his fawning acolytes disputed multiple news reports of backbiting, vendettas, infighting and persistent, bitter acrimony. With the constantly ongoing palace intrigue, it was difficult to know for certain who was in charge."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "backbiting"?
Common synonyms include: abuse, animadversion, aspersion, backbiter, backbites, backstabbing.
How do you use "backbiting" in a sentence?
The president-elect's cabinet selection process appeared in disarray, even as his fawning acolytes disputed multiple news reports of backbiting, vendettas, infighting and persistent, bitter acrimony. With the constantly ongoing palace intrigue, it was difficult to know for certain who was in charge.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English bakbitynge, bacbiting, bacbitung, equivalent to backbite + -ing.
Etymology 2
From Middle English bakbytynge, equivalent to backbite + -ing.