Pronunciation

/naɪf/

Definitions

• Noun: A sharp-edged hand tool with a handle, typically used for cutting or slicing. For example: “The chef expertly handled the carving knife to slice through the roast.”
• Verb (informal): To stab or cut with a knife. For example: “In self-defense, he knifed the attacker.”

Phrases

• “To have a/the knife out for someone”: To have ill intentions towards someone; to be looking for an opportunity to harm or criticize them. Example: “Ever since the argument, she’s had the knife out for him.”
• “The knife edge”: Refers to a situation that is precarious, uncertain, or finely balanced. Example: “The election result was on a knife edge until the last votes were counted.”
• “A double-edged sword/knife”: Something that has both advantages and disadvantages. Example: “His intelligence proved to be a double-edged knife; it helped him excel academically but also isolated him from his peers.”

Example Sentences

• Noun: “Keep the butter knife away from the edge of the table.”
• Verb: “In the heat of the moment, he accidentally knifed the attacker.”

Synonyms

• Blade
• Dagger
• Cutter
• Scalpel
• Sword (in some contexts)
• Pocketknife
• Table knife
• Chef’s knife

Note: The verb form of ‘knife’ is informal and often associated with violent actions or slang usage. In formal or non-violent contexts, verbs like ‘cut’, ‘slice’, or ‘stab’ might be more appropriate.