babbitt
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈbæbɪt/
KK: /ˈbæbɪt/
noun
Definition
A person who follows and accepts the values and standards of middle-class society without questioning them, often focused on material success.
Example
He was often seen as a babbitt, always chasing after the latest trends and possessions.
Conversation
Have you ever noticed how some people just seem like a total babbitt?
Yeah, they always follow the same trends without questioning anything.
It's kind of funny, but also a bit sad, right?
Definitely! I prefer to think for myself rather than just conform.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bourgeois
materialist
conformist
Antonyms
nonconformist
rebel
individualist
verb
Definition
To coat a surface with a type of metal that helps reduce friction between moving parts.
Example
The engineer decided to babbitt the bearings to ensure smoother operation.
Tense Forms
Past: babbitted
Past Participle: babbitted
Conversation
Have you ever heard of the process to babbitt engines?
Yeah, I think it helps to reduce friction, right?
Exactly! It's important for keeping everything running smoothly.
Root Explanation
The word 'babbitt' originates from the name of a character, George F. Babbitt, in the novel 'Babbitt' by Sinclair Lewis, published in 1922. The character represents a certain type of middle-class American businessman, embodying the values and attitudes of the time. Thus, 'babbitt' has come to refer to a person who is conformist and materialistic, often lacking in originality or depth.
Memory Tip
Think of George F. Babbitt as a symbol of a conformist businessman, which helps you remember that a 'babbitt' refers to someone who is conventional and materialistic.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.