How Do You Spell GNAWING AT?

Pronunciation: [nˈɔːɪŋ at] (IPA)

The phrase "gnawing at" is spelled with a silent "g" and pronounced as /nɔːɪŋ æt/. The "g" is silent because it is followed by the letter "n", which results in the "gn" sound. This sound is a combination of /n/ and /ɡ/. The word "gnaw" also has the same silent "g" and is pronounced as /nɔː/. The phrase "gnawing at" refers to a persistent feeling of discomfort or anxiety that one cannot shake off, similar to a rodent gnawing on a surface.

GNAWING AT Meaning and Definition

1. Gnawing at is a phrase used to describe a persistent, nagging, or intense feeling of discomfort, agitation, or unease that is often associated with a specific issue, concern, or thought. This expression conveys the idea of a continuous and repetitive action similar to how a rodent gnaws on something steadily, wearing it down over time.

   The phrase "gnawing at" is often used to describe emotional or psychological experiences. It implies a state of mental distress, restlessness, or discontentment that seems to consume a person's thoughts or emotions. This feeling can be compared to the relentless gnawing, chewing, or nibbling action of a rodent on an object, gradually eroding it.

   The phrase is often used metaphorically to express the persistent and bothersome nature of certain thoughts, worries, or concerns that plague an individual. It suggests a sense of unease that is difficult to shake off, as if it is eating away at one's peace of mind. For example, one may say, "The fear of failure was constantly gnawing at him, preventing him from taking risks and pursuing his dreams."

   In summary, the phrase "gnawing at" refers to a persistent and irksome feeling of discomfort or unease that tends to occupy one's thoughts or emotions, similar to how a rodent constantly gnaws on an object.

Common Misspellings for GNAWING AT

• fnawing at
• vnawing at
• bnawing at
• hnawing at
• ynawing at
• tnawing at
• gbawing at
• gmawing at
• gjawing at
• ghawing at
• gnzwing at
• gnswing at
• gnwwing at
• gnqwing at
• gnaqing at
• gnaaing at
• gnasing at
• gnaeing at
• gna3ing at
• gna2ing at

Etymology of GNAWING AT

The word "gnawing" is derived from the verb "gnaw". The verb "gnaw" dates back to the Old English period, where it was spelled "gnagan". It is believed to have originated from the Proto-Germanic word "gnaganą", which means "to gnaw" or "to nibble". This word can be traced back further to the Proto-Indo-European root *gneg- or *geneg-, meaning "to bite" or "to chew". The term "gnawing at" is a figurative expression used to describe a persistent or nagging feeling that is metaphorically likened to the action of animals gnawing or chewing on something.