jib
LowTechnical (nautical/engineering) and informal (verb sense)
Definition
Meaning
A triangular sail set forward of the mast on a sailing vessel, or the projecting arm of a crane.
As a verb, to show reluctance or refusal to proceed with an action or to accept an idea.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun sense is technical and specific. The verb sense (often with 'at') is idiomatic, implying a sudden, stubborn refusal, typically from a person or animal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb sense ('to jib at something') is more common in British English. In American English, the noun senses (sail, crane part) are primary; the verb is less frequent and may be seen as a Briticism.
Connotations
The verb can suggest being obstinate, finicky, or having scruples.
Frequency
Overall low frequency, but the noun is standard in technical contexts globally. The verb is markedly more common in UK usage.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] jibs at [noun phrase/gerund] (e.g., The horse jibbed at the fence).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the cut of someone's jib (a person's appearance or manner)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except metaphorically: 'The board jibbed at the proposed merger.'
Academic
Rare outside technical papers on sailing, engineering, or historical texts.
Everyday
Uncommon. The idiom 'cut of his jib' is occasionally used. The verb is informal.
Technical
Standard in sailing (types of jibs: genoa, storm jib) and mechanical engineering (crane jib design, jib extension).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The donkey jibbed at carrying such a heavy load.
- She jibbed at paying the exorbitant fee.
American English
- The horse jibbed at the water obstacle.
- Investors jibbed at the risky proposal.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The boat has a white jib.
- The horse stopped and would not go.
- We need to repair the jib before sailing.
- He jibbed at the last moment and didn't sign the contract.
- Adjusting the jib sheet is crucial for optimal tacking.
- The committee jibbed at implementing such a radical change without further review.
- The crane's telescopic jib allows for remarkable precision in confined spaces.
- Despite the financial incentives, she jibbed at the ethical compromises the role demanded.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a horse (jibbing) refusing to jump near a ship's JIB sail. The JIB sail helps the ship move, but the horse JIBS and won't budge.
Conceptual Metaphor
OBSTACLE/REFUSAL AS A PHYSICAL BARRIER (The mind jibs at a concept as a horse jibs at a fence).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'гик' (boom) or 'стаксель' (headsail/jib). The verb 'to jib' has no direct single-word equivalent; use 'упрямиться', 'отказываться', 'заартачиться'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'jib' with 'jibe' (to agree) or 'gibe' (taunt). Incorrectly using 'jib' without 'at' (e.g., 'He jibbed the offer' is wrong; correct: 'He jibbed at the offer').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'jib' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word. It is common only within specific technical fields (sailing, crane operation) or in the idiomatic verb form in British English.
It means your impression of someone's character or background based on their appearance or manner. It originates from the distinctive shape of a ship's jib sail, which could identify its nationality.
No, the verb 'to jib' (meaning to show reluctance) is intransitive and is always followed by the preposition 'at' when an object is present (e.g., jib at something).
'Jib' is primarily a noun for a sail/crane part or a verb for refusal. 'Jibe' (also 'gybe') is a sailing manoeuvre involving shifting sails. In American English, 'jibe' also means to be in agreement ('His story doesn't jibe with hers'). They are different words.