chin
chin
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling:
chin: /tʃɪn/
Word Form Variations
Singular: chin
Plural: chins
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: The protrusive part of the face below the mouth, forming the point of the jaw.
Synonyms: jaw, mandible (anatomical)
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms as it's a specific body part)
Definition 2: (Informal, often in the phrase "keep your chin up") Courage or fortitude in the face of difficulties.
Synonyms: resilience, grit, spirit, determination
Antonyms: despondency, discouragement, defeatism
Examples of Use
Books:
"She sat back, resting her chin on her hand, a thoughtful expression on her face." (From a work of fiction)
"He adjusted his glasses, peering over the top, a slight crease forming in his chin." (From a work of fiction)
Newspapers:
"The boxer took a hard punch to the chin in the third round, but managed to stay on his feet." (Sports section, The Guardian)
"Local residents were encouraged to 'keep their chin up' despite recent economic challenges." (Community news, Daily Nation)
Online Publications:
"Celebrities are increasingly turning to cosmetic procedures to refine their jawline and chin." (Health and Beauty section, Vogue online)
"A strong chin is often associated with leadership qualities, according to a recent study." (Psychology Today blog)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: A character in a romantic comedy might say, "You've got to keep your chin up, things will get better." (Dialogue from a movie)
Television: "The detective stroked his chin thoughtfully as he considered the evidence." (Scene description from a crime drama)
Music: A song lyric might include a phrase like, "With a smile on my face and my chin held high." (From a popular song)
Social Media: A post might show someone posing with their chin tilted, often accompanied by a caption about confidence or good looks. (Instagram post)
General Public Discourse:
"He gave me a nod and a little chin-up gesture, like 'you can do it!'" (Casual conversation)
"I accidentally bumped my chin on the table when I stood up too fast." (Everyday conversation)
"She has such a distinctive chin; you'd recognize her anywhere." (Descriptive conversation)
10 Quotes Using Chin
"Keep your chin up." (Various sources, commonly attributed as a general idiom)
"Rubbing the chin is a sign of deep thought." (Arthur Conan Doyle, The Red-Headed League)
"A man's got to keep his chin up." (John Wayne, various films)
"They say he was a man with a strong jaw and a stubborn chin." (Description of a historical figure)
"A gentleman never discusses money or his chin." (Oscar Wilde, often paraphrased)
"He had a strong, square chin that spoke of determination." (Literary description)
"She lifted her chin, defiant." (From a work of fiction)
"With a slight nod of his chin, he dismissed them." (From a historical account)
"He took it on the chin and kept fighting." (Common idiom, often used in sports)
"The world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going, and keeps his chin up." (Attributed to various self-help authors)
Etymology
The word "chin" has a long history, tracing back to very old languages. Imagine going back thousands of years to a reconstructed language called Proto-Indo-European, which is like the great-grandparent of many languages spoken today, including English. In that ancient language, there was a word, *ǵénus, that meant something like "chin" or "jaw."
As languages evolved, this word developed into *kinnuz in Proto-Germanic (the ancestor of Germanic languages like English, German, and Dutch). This Proto-Germanic word also referred to the "chin" or "cheek."
From Proto-Germanic, it moved into Old English as ċinn or cinn. This is the earliest known form of the word in English, appearing before the 12th century. Its meaning was pretty much the same as today: the lower part of the face below the mouth. Over time, as English changed, ċinn became "chin" as we know it now.
So, in simple terms, "chin" is an ancient word that has consistently referred to that specific part of our face for thousands of years, evolving slightly in pronunciation and spelling as languages changed.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Chin
Keep your chin up: To stay cheerful in a difficult situation.
Take it on the chin: To bravely endure a difficult or unpleasant experience.
Chin wag: (British informal) A friendly chat.
Lead with your chin: To expose oneself to danger or criticism.
Give someone the chin: (Informal) To hit someone on the chin.
Up to the chin: Completely submerged or overwhelmed.
Chin high: With one's head held high, indicating pride or determination.
A jab to the chin: A direct blow or criticism.
Chin music: (Slang, especially in baseball) Talk or taunting, often aggressive.
To have a weak chin: To be easily knocked out (in boxing) or easily discouraged.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of chin from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
