English Meaning & Definitions
To reproach in a sarcastic, insulting, or jeering manner; to challenge or provoke with insulting remarks.
- โThe opposing fans began to taunt the losing team with chants and jeers.โ
- โShe couldn't resist taunting her brother about his poor test score.โ
A sarcastic, insulting, or jeering remark or challenge.
- โHe ignored the taunts from the crowd and focused on the game.โ
- โHer taunts about his clumsiness finally made him angry.โ
English Antonyms & Opposites
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for โtauntโ.
Originating in the 16th century, the word 'taunt' comes from the Middle French *tanter*, meaning 'to tempt, try, provoke.' This in turn derived from the Latin *tentare*, 'to try, test, feel, handle.' The English word was also influenced by the French *tancer*, meaning 'to scold, rebuke.' Initially, it carried a sense of challenging or provoking, which evolved into the modern meaning of making insulting or sarcastic remarks.
Think of 'taunt' sounding like 'haunt.' If you taunt someone, your mean words might haunt them (and you) later.
Frequently Asked Questions About โtauntโ
1. What is the meaning of โtauntโ in English?
In English, taunt (verb) is defined as: โTo reproach in a sarcastic, insulting, or jeering manner; to challenge or provoke with insulting remarks.โ.
2. How do you use โtauntโ in a sentence?
โThe opposing fans began to taunt the losing team with chants and jeers.โ
4. What is the etymology and word origin of โtauntโ?
Originating in the 16th century, the word 'taunt' comes from the Middle French *tanter*, meaning 'to tempt, try, provoke.' This in turn derived from the Latin *tentare*, 'to try, test, feel, handle.' The English word was also influenced by the French *tancer*, meaning 'to scold, rebuke.' Initially, it carried a sense of challenging or provoking, which evolved into the modern meaning of making insulting or sarcastic remarks.
๐ฌ๐งMore English Words to English
View all English words โThe base unit of time in the International System of Units (SI), equal to the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the caesium-133 atom.
A specific duration of time equal to one hour and forty-six minutes and twelve seconds.
The cardinal number equal to one thousand million (1,000,000,000), expressed in scientific notation as 10^9.
A specific duration of time equivalent to one hour and forty-six minutes.