How Do You Spell GNAWS AT?

Pronunciation: [nˈɔːz at] (IPA)

The word "gnaws at" is spelled with a silent G, which can confuse learners of English. The IPA transcription of this word is /nɔːz ət/ where the G is represented by the symbol /ɡ/. The following letter N is a voiced alveolar nasal sound /n/. The vowel sound is represented by the symbol /ɔː/, and the final sound is an unvoiced glottal fricative /t/. This word means to bother someone or make them feel uncomfortable, as if something is gnawing at them.

GNAWS AT Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "gnaws at" refers to a persistent and nagging feeling or thought that continuously bothers or consumes a person's mind. It is used metaphorically to depict an intense emotional or psychological discomfort that gradually erodes one's peace of mind. The word "gnaw" suggests the repetitive and relentless quality of this discomfort, akin to the act of biting and chewing on something persistently.

   When something "gnaws at" a person, it means that it is continuously eating away at their thoughts, emotions, or conscience, causing distress, restlessness, or unease. It implies a deep-seated worry, guilt, regret, or unresolved issue that remains in the forefront of their mind, making it difficult to concentrate or find inner calmness. This phrase often refers to inner conflicts, unresolved dilemmas, or troubling experiences that a person struggles to let go of or come to terms with. The feeling of being constantly gnawed at can cause a great deal of mental and emotional anguish, leading to persistent stress, anxiety, or internal turmoil.

   Overall, "gnaws at" illustrates a relentless and distressing force that preoccupies an individual's mind, reminding them of an unresolved or troubling matter, causing unease, and hindering their ability to find peace and move forward.

Common Misspellings for GNAWS AT

• gnas at
• gnawes at
• fnaws at
• vnaws at
• bnaws at
• hnaws at
• ynaws at
• tnaws at
• gbaws at
• gmaws at
• gjaws at
• ghaws at
• gnzws at
• gnsws at
• gnwws at
• gnqws at
• gnaqs at
• gnaas at
• gnass at
• gnaes at

Etymology of GNAWS AT

The verb "gnaw" is derived from the Old English word "gnagan", which has Germanic roots and is related to Middle Low German "knagen" and Middle Dutch "naghen". These Germanic languages have a shared origin in the Proto-Germanic word "gnaganą", meaning "to bite, gnaw". The expression "gnaws at" is formed by combining the verb "gnaw" with the preposition "at", indicating that something is persistently biting or eating away at something else, often emotionally or mentally.