VocabDictionary

shave

/ʃeɪv/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

To cut or scrape hair from the surface of the skin using a razor or other sharp blade.

Example Sentences:
  • He prefers to shave his beard off every summer.
  • She carefully shaved her legs before putting on her dress.
2.verb

To cut off a very thin slice or layer from something.

Example Sentences:
  • Use a peeler to shave thin strips of cheese for the salad.
  • The carpenter had to shave a millimeter off the door so it would close properly.
3.noun

An act of removing hair by shaving, or a close encounter or narrow escape.

Example Sentences:
  • He likes a clean shave every morning before work.
  • That car accident was a close shave; we barely missed hitting the pole.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “shave”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from Old English 'sceafan' (meaning 'to scrape, shave, or polish'), from Proto-Germanic '*skabōna', ultimately tracing back to the Indo-European root '*skep-' (to cut, scrape, or hack).

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Imagine using a sharp blade to 'save' your face from hair by giving it a smooth 'shave'.

Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “shave

1. What is the meaning of “shave” in English?

In English, shave (verb) is defined as: “To cut or scrape hair from the surface of the skin using a razor or other sharp blade.”.

2. How do you use “shave” in a sentence?

He prefers to shave his beard off every summer.

3. What are English synonyms of “shave”?

Common synonyms include:razor,crop,shear,pare,trim

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “shave”?

Derived from Old English 'sceafan' (meaning 'to scrape, shave, or polish'), from Proto-Germanic '*skabōna', ultimately tracing back to the Indo-European root '*skep-' (to cut, scrape, or hack).