gift

Everyday

1. A gift is something you give to someone without asking for money, like a present for a birthday. tree →
2. A gift is also a special talent you are born with, like a gift for music. tree →
3. To gift something is to give it as a present. tree →
4. Gifted means very clever or talented. tree →

In the lessons

Things counted, bought or given; giving a gift takes from one person and adds to another. In everyday life: birthday gifts, holiday gifts, a gift card, a thank-you note for a gift. In stories: magic gifts from a fairy. Phrases: «gift card», «gift shop», «a gift for», «gift-wrap».

Examples

• She bought 4 gifts for 5 dollars each. tree →
• Tom wraps 12 gifts. tree →
• Each gift needs 2 metres of ribbon. tree →
• He got 3 gifts from his aunt. tree →
• I wrote a thank-you card for every gift. tree →
• Maya has a gift for drawing animals. tree →
• The museum gift shop sells postcards. tree →
• The fairy gave the princess three gifts. tree →
• The gift of laughing was given to man alone. tree →

Note

Gifts are usually the counted thing; giving a gift away subtracts, receiving one adds. Trap: «a gift card of 20 dollars» is money to spend, not one item. False friend: German «Gift» means poison. Safety: do not accept gifts from strangers online.

In Jewish tradition

A gift can be a sacred portion given to God, or a bribe given to a judge. It can also be the bride-price paid to a bride's family.

Interpretation. Tradition reads "a gift blindeth" as a warning that judges must never accept bribes. Even a small gift can bend a good judge's mind.

Examples

• Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto the LORD a portion for a gift throughout your generations. (Torah NUM.15.21, JPS 1917) tree →
• And thou shalt take no gift; for a gift blindeth them that have sight, and perverteth the words of the righteous. (Torah EXO.23.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as ye shall say unto me; but give me the damsel to wife.' (Torah GEN.34.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. (Writings PRO.18.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• A gift in secret pacifieth anger, and a present in the bosom strong wrath. (Writings PRO.21.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• The king by justice establisheth the land; but he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it. (Writings PRO.29.4, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Gifts are usually the counted thing; giving a gift away subtracts, receiving one adds. Trap: «a gift card of 20 dollars» is money to spend, not one item. False friend: German «Gift» means poison. Safety: do not accept gifts from strangers online.