tip
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for tip, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The pointed or outer end of something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use tip
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English tip/typ, from a Proto-Germanic word for a small pointed end.
Full origin of tip →Frequently asked questions
What does “tip” mean?
The word “tip” means the pointed or outer end of something. In plain terms, can mean the pointed end of something, to tilt over, money left for service, or a useful piece of advice — context makes clear which.
How do you pronounce “tip”?
“Tip” is pronounced tihp (/tɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “tip” in a sentence?
Here is “tip” used in a sentence: “She sharpened the tip of her pencil.”
What is another word for “tip”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tip” include gratuity and hint.
What part of speech is “tip”?
Depending on how it is used, “tip” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “tip” come from?
The word “tip” comes from Middle English. From Middle English tip/typ, from a Proto-Germanic word for a small pointed end.
Is “tip” a common word?
“Tip” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “tip” have?
“Tip” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the pointed or outer end of something.
What is an example of the tip of something?
The tip is the very end or outermost point of an object. Familiar examples include the tip of your finger, the tip of a pen, the tip of an iceberg, the tip of a knife, and the tip of your nose. It usually refers to the narrowest or furthest-reaching part.
What is the difference between the tip and the point of something?
They overlap, but a 'point' is specifically a sharp, tapering end, while a 'tip' is simply the extreme end, whether sharp or not. A pencil has both a point and a tip, yet the rounded tip of a finger has no point. Every point is a tip, but not every tip is a point.
Does tip only mean the end of something?
No. This entry covers the 'outer end' sense, as in the tip of a wing. 'Tip' has other, unrelated meanings too: a small gift of money for good service, a piece of helpful advice, or the act of tilting something over. The surrounding sentence makes clear which meaning is intended.
What is the opposite of the tip of something?
For a long or tapering object, the opposite of the tip is usually the 'base,' 'root,' or 'butt' — the wider, fixed end. The tip of a leaf contrasts with its base, and the tip of a sword contrasts with its hilt or handle. The tip is the far end; the base is the anchored one.