How Do You Spell NICK?

Pronunciation: [nˈɪk] (IPA)

The word "nick" is spelled with the letters "n", "i", "c", and "k". In phonetic transcription, it can be written as /nɪk/. The "n" represents the voiced dental nasal sound, while the "i" is the short "ih" sound. The "c" represents the unvoiced palatal stop, and the "k" is the unvoiced velar stop. This simple four-letter word is often used to describe a small cut or notch in a surface or object.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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NICK Meaning and Definition

  1. Nick can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a small cut, indentation, or shallow notch on the surface of an object, typically caused by a sharp object. It is a minor injury resulting from a sharp, quick, and precise contact with a cutting instrument or edge. Nicks are often shallow and cause minimal bleeding. For example, accidentally cutting oneself while shaving might result in a small nick on the skin.

    As a verb, "to nick" refers to the act of making a small cut or notch on something using a sharp object. It involves applying a sharp instrument with precision to create a shallow indentation on a surface. It can also be used metaphorically to mean scoring points or gaining an advantage over someone or something. For instance, one might say that a basketball player nicked the opposing team's defense by scoring multiple three-pointers.

    Furthermore, "to nick" can also mean stealing or taking something without permission, although this usage is somewhat informal. It implies obtaining something quickly and stealthily, often by taking advantage of a momentary distraction. In British English, "nick" can also mean a police station or jail, serving as a colloquial term for a place of temporary confinement.

  2. • The Devil.
    • A cut or notch.
    • To cut in nicks or notches; to notch.
    • The exact point or critical moment; a fortunate conjuncture; the winning throw or trick.
    • To hit; to touch luckily; to perform by a slight artifice used at the lucky moment; to cozen; to defeat.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for NICK *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for NICK

Etymology of NICK

The word "nick" has a few different origins, depending on its use.

1. As a noun meaning a small cut, notch, or groove, "nick" originated from the Old English term "hnician" which meant "to notch" or "to cut off". This Old English verb evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "*hnikkon", which had a similar meaning.

2. As a verb meaning to cut or make a small groove, "nick" comes from the same Old English term "hnician" mentioned above.

3. As a noun meaning a specific point or moment in time, "nick" has its roots in the verb "to nick" which originally meant to make a small notch or cut that indicated a specific point or measurement. Over time, this term developed into the noun form "nick" to refer to that specific point or moment.

Idioms with the word NICK

  • Old Nick The idiom "Old Nick" refers to the devil or Satan. It is often used as a euphemism or nickname for the devil.
  • nick sth up The idiom "nick sth up" commonly means to slightly damage or scratch something, usually accidentally or carelessly.
  • (just) in the nick of time The idiom "in the nick of time" means to do something just before it is too late, often referring to a situation where it is almost too late but there is still enough time to act or complete something successfully.
  • in the nick of time The idiom "in the nick of time" means to do something or arrive at a particular moment that is almost too late, just before a deadline or calamity.
  • full of Old Nick The idiom "full of Old Nick" is an archaic expression that means someone or something is mischievous, devilish, or full of mischief. It refers to the devil or Satan, implying that the person or thing in question is acting in a cunning or deceptive manner.
  • in (good, poor, etc.) nick The idiom "in (good, poor, etc.) nick" means the condition or state of something, typically referring to its overall appearance, quality, or performance. It is often used to describe an object, place, or person and indicates whether they are in good or bad condition.
  • in good, bad, etc. nick The idiom "in good, bad, etc. nick" refers to the condition or state of something or someone. It means that something or someone is in good, bad, or any specified condition, often pertaining to physical or overall well-being.
  • *in the (very) nick of time Just in time; at the last possible moment before it is too late.

Similar spelling words for NICK

Plural form of NICK is NICKS

Conjugate verb Nick

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have nicked
you would have nicked
he/she/it would have nicked
we would have nicked
they would have nicked
I would have nick
you would have nick
he/she/it would have nick
we would have nick
they would have nick

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been nicking
you would have been nicking
he/she/it would have been nicking
we would have been nicking
they would have been nicking

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would nick
you would nick
he/she/it would nick
we would nick
they would nick

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be nicking
you would be nicking
he/she/it would be nicking
we would be nicking
they would be nicking

FUTURE

I will nick
you will nick
he/she/it will nick
we will nick
they will nick

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be nicking
you will be nicking
he/she/it will be nicking
we will be nicking
they will be nicking

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have nicked
you will have nicked
he/she/it will have nicked
we will have nicked
they will have nicked

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been nicking
you will have been nicking
he/she/it will have been nicking
we will have been nicking
they will have been nicking

IMPERATIVE

you nick
we let´s nick

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to nick

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was nicking
you were nicking
he/she/it was nicking
we were nicking
they were nicking

PAST PARTICIPLE

nicked

PAST PERFECT

I had nicked
you had nicked
he/she/it had nicked
we had nicked
they had nicked

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been nicking
you had been nicking
he/she/it had been nicking
we had been nicking
they had been nicking

PRESENT

I nick
you nick
he/she/it nicks
we nick
they nick

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am nicking
you are nicking
he/she/it is nicking
we are nicking
they are nicking

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

nicking

PRESENT PERFECT

I have nicked
you have nicked
he/she/it has nicked
we have nicked
they have nicked

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been nicking
you have been nicking
he/she/it has been nicking
we have been nicking
they have been nicking

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it nick

SIMPLE PAST

I nicked
you nicked
he/she/it nicked
we nicked
they nicked

Infographic

Correct spelling for nick
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